Origin & Meaning of the Klaus Surname
What does the last name Klaus mean?
The surname Klaus carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 5,328 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Klaus ranks as the #6,388 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Klaus come from?
The Klaus surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Klaus name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Klaus trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Klaus |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,388 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,328 |
| Per 100K People | 1.81 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Klaus
According to the US Census, the Klaus surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,328 Americans with the Klaus last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 95.8% |
| Hispanic | 2.06% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.56% |
| Two or More Races | 1.11% |
Popularity of Klaus Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Klaus surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Klaus surname decreased by 3 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Klaus Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Klaus ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The Complete Story of the Klaus Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Klaus Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Klaus
- ✓ The Klaus coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Klaus families live today
- ✓ Notable Klaus bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
🎁 A heritage keepsake to pass down — perfect as a gift.
Similar Surnames to Klaus
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Klaus.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Klaus.
Frequently Asked Questions About Klaus
Top Surnames Starting with K
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter K, ranked by population.
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Klaus surname also look for: