Klaes

Klaes is a masculine given name used in Germanic-speaking regions and parts of the Dutch-speaking world. It is a regional variant of Klaas or Claes, which themselves are forms of Klaus, derived from the given name Nicholas. The form Klaes is most commonly associated with Frisian and northern German communities and appears in historical church and civil records in the Netherlands and northern Germany, particularly from the 17th to 19th centuries. Today it remains relatively uncommon.

As with related names, Klaes is linked to the broader Nicholas tradition. The name Nicholas originates from the Greek Nikolaos, often interpreted as meaning “victory of the people.” In the case of Klaes, the connection is primarily linguistic and cultural, reflecting regional naming practices rather than a direct translation of the meaning.

Klaes is also found as a surname in some German and Dutch contexts. In surname usage, it typically represents a patronymic origin, derived from the given name Klaes or Klaas, rather than denoting a specific occupation or place. Dutch spellings such as Klaassen or Klaassen-Klaassen are related patronymic forms.

In contemporary usage, Klaes is not among the most common names but may appear in genealogical records, regional name registries, or family histories. It is one of several regional variants that reflect the diversity of Germanic and Dutch naming traditions, with close relatives including Klaas, Claes, Klaus, and Klausen.