Meaning & History
Klaasen is a Dutch patronymic surname meaning "son of Klaas." The name Klaas is a Dutch and Low German short form of Nicholas, which derives from the Greek name Nikolaos, composed of the elements nike (victory) and laos (people). Thus, the ultimate meaning of Klaasen is "son of the victory of the people.
Etymology
The surname Klaasen follows the common Dutch patronymic pattern where the suffix -sen (or -zen) indicates "son of." It is a variant of other Dutch surnames such as Claasen and Klaassen. Related names include Colijn, Coolen, and Mikula in other languages and cultures.
Notable Bearers
- Berton Klaasen (born 1990), South African rugby union player.
- Heinrich Klaasen (born 1991), South African cricketer.
- Jelle Klaasen (born 1984), Dutch darts player.
- Lorraine Klaasen (born 1957), South African/Canadian musician, daughter of Thandi Klaasen.
- Luc Klaasen (born 1958), Dutch bassist known as Luc Ex.
- Raven Klaasen (born 1982), South African tennis player.
- Robert Klaasen (born 1993), Dutch footballer.
- Davy Klaassen (born 1993), Dutch footballer.
- Thandi Klaasen (1931–2017), South African musician, mother of Lorraine Klaasen.
Cultural Significance
The Klaasen name is also associated with 16958 Klaasen, a Mars-crossing asteroid, and Jan Klaasen, the Dutch puppet version of Pulcinella (Mister Punch).
- Meaning: Son of Klaas (victory of the people)
- Origin: Dutch
- Type: Patronymic surname
- Usage Regions: Netherlands, South Africa, and other Dutch-influenced areas
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Klaasen