Claes

glorious protector — from Nicholas
Dutch origin · Boy name
97% boys3% girls
#1982US 2023
10Births / yr
Stable
Top 1.5%Percentile
How to pronounce Claes
klahs
/klahs/ · · 1 syllable
glorious protector — from Nicholas
Dutch origin · Boy name

What does Claes mean and where does it come from?

Claes is a diminutive form of the name Nicholas, derived from the Greek name Nikolaos, meaning 'victory of the people'.

Cultural significance
The name Claes is commonly used in the Netherlands and has historical significance in Dutch culture, particularly in the context of naming traditions.
Peak popularity
Reached #1982 in 2015 — currently #1982 in the US.
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Related Reading
Dutch-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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How else can you spell Claes?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Claes?

Claes works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Claes Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Claes John
One syllable · timeless choice
Claes Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Claes Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Claes Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Claes Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Claes
Browse ideas →

How popular is Claes right now?

Holding steady — currently #1982 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20192023#1982 · Top 1.5%
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#198210stable
2022#198210stable
2021#198210stable
2020#198210stable
2019#198210
💎Claes is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for Claes?

ENGLISH
ColinCollin
FINNISH
Launo
BASQUE
Nikole
BULGARIAN
NikolNikolina

Famous people named Claes

CO
Claes Oldenburg
An American sculptor known for his large-scale public art installations.
CJ
Claes Janszoon Visscher
A Dutch engraver and cartographer from the 17th century.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
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Common questions about the name Claes

What does the name Claes mean?
Claes means "glorious protector — from Nicholas" — a name rooted in Dutch tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Claes?
Claes is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Claes?
Claes originates from Dutch tradition. Dutch names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How does Claes sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Claes flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Claes ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Is Claes more of a girl or boy name?
Claes is primarily used as a boy name, giving it a clear, timeless character while remaining accessible to modern families.