Surname Niklass - Meaning and Origin

Niklass: What does the surname Niklass mean?

The last name Niklass is of German origin, derived from the given name Nicolaus, the Latin form of Nicholas, a personal name popularized in the Middle Ages by the legendary figure, St. Nicholas. This name was derived from the Greek name Nikolaos, meaning “victory of the people” or “conqueror of the people” and was composed of elements ni–, “victory” and laos- “people”. Popular among Christians, the name became more widespread and was eventually corrupted to form the various spellings of the surname Niklass. Despite the corruption, the spelling of the surname in its various forms still most likely suggests a person of devout faith with some connection to St. Nicholas.

The name Niklass appears with some frequency in various records throughout the course of history. Though it is overwhelmingly found in northern Europe, it has been found as far south as Sicily and further abroad. Bearing this in mind, the Niklass family most likely made its way across the continent with the migratory hordes or may have simply adapted to the various languages of the local peoples.

The surname Niklass is still found throughout Europe today, often coexisting with additional variations of the name. Those who work with name research generally suggest that the number of variants can be indicative of a certain amount of localised pride and loyalty, demonstrating that the holder of the surname has connections to a certain place or region in which their family has long been established. In this way the surname Niklass and its variations remain highly indicative of an original European source.

Niklass: Where does the name Niklass come from?

The last name “Niklass” is most commonly found in the German-speaking regions of Europe today, particularly in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Though the exact origin of the name “Niklass” is unknown, its common association with the combination of “Nickel” and “Laus” or “Luchs” have generated speculated meanings of “bold like a fox” or “guardian of the family”.

In Germany, the name is most traditionally found in the states of Hesse, Baden-Wurttemberg, and Bavaria, while you can find it through the rest of the country, particularly in large cities. Several clerics of the Church of Rome in the 17th century share this surname, indicating a possible Roman Catholic origin for the name.

Today, however, the name can be found in other countries as well, due to increased international travel. “Niklass” can be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and many other countries due to migration of German-speaking immigrants.

Variations of the surname Niklass

Niklass is a Germanic surname most commonly found in North America and parts of Europe. It is most likely derived from the given name Nicholas which originates from the Ancient Greek ‘Nikolāos’, meaning ‘Victory of the People’.

The most common variant spellings of Niklass are:

-Niclas

-Nicolass

-Neyklas

-Neycklas

-Neykluss

-Necolas

-Necolass

Other surnames thought to have the same origin as Niklass are:

-Nyclas

-Neclas

-Nickel

-Niekams

-Nickels

-Nicklauss

-Nicklaus

-Nickelsz

-Nicolau

-Nicholaus

-Nicolazzo

-Nicolesz

-Nicholazzi

-Nicolis

-Nickless

Although relatively uncommon, some variations of this surname can be seen in other languages such as Dutch, Danish, and Norwegian, which are Nicken, Nieken, Neeke, Niks, and Nyks respectively.

In some cases, the surname Niklass may also be spelled as Nix, Nex, or Nicks and some references may also refer to it as Niklson or Nikleson.

Famous people with the name Niklass

• Rasmus Niklass, Swedish athlete who specializes in the steeplechase
• Oskar Niklass, Swedish professional ice hockey goaltender
• Carl Niklass von Schmalensee, Swedish physicist, chemist, and engineer
• Julius Niklass, German painter and sculptor
• Ida Louise Niklasson, Swedish writer and translator
• Pontus Niklasson, Swedish ice hockey player
• Olof Niklasson, Swedish lawyer and politician
• Cilla Niklasson, Swedish actress
• Andreas Niklasson, Swedish musician and producer
• Roger Niklasson, Swedish footballer
• Therese Niklasson, Swedish figure skater
• Göran Niklasson, Swedish speed skater
• Maria Niklasson, Swedish news anchor
• Erik Niklasson, Swedish ice hockey player
• Jonas Niklasson, Swedish footballer
• Fredrik Niklasson, Swedish lawyer and politician
• Paul Niklasson, Swedish physician and professor
• Felix Niklasson, Swedish composer and conductor
• Vilhelm Niklasson, Swedish artist and architect
• Ester Niklasson, Swedish musician and opera singer
• Algot Niklasson, Swedish furniture maker and cabinetmaker

Other surnames

NiklaaßenNiklahsNiklasNiklasdotterNiklassenNiklassonNiklaßonNiklausNiklausen