Claus is a Scandinavian name of Danish origin, derived from the Old Norse word "klaufi" which means "limping". It is believed to have been given to children who were born with some physical disability or deformity, such as a limp.
The name Claus has been used in Scandinavia for centuries and was popular among the nobility. One of the most famous bearers of this name was King Christian IV of Denmark, who ruled from 1588 until his death in 1648. He was known for his military prowess and is considered one of Denmark's greatest kings.
Despite its origins, Claus is not a particularly popular name today. It has been largely replaced by more modern names such as Christopher and Nicholas. However, it still holds historical significance in Scandinavia and is occasionally used as a tribute to the region's rich history.
The name Claus experienced fluctuating popularity throughout the late 19th to mid-20th century, with peaks in the early 1920s and late 1950s. It was most popular during the years 1916 and 1959, each having 13 and 11 births respectively. However, there were also periods of decline, such as from 1941 to 1952 with only one or two births per year. The total number of Claus births over this period is 366.