Niklaus

Niklaus is a Swiss German form of Nicholas. The older Greek name combines elements for victory and people, traditionally expressed as “victory of the people.” This makes Niklaus part of a widespread name family rather than a recent invention based on its appearance in television or other popular culture.

Klaus is a familiar shorter form, and the spelling Niklaus preserves a closer connection with German-language use than English Nicholas. Niklaus Mikaelson in The Vampire Diaries gives it a modern fictional association. Families can choose it for that reference or for a language or honor connection, while keeping the older Greek derivation separate from any one character.