Active discussions

Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Is it okay to call an English child Klaus?

35 replies

Cammy007 · 02/07/2016 14:59

My family are Scottish and English but i really like the name Klaus but it is German, I only have 2 German cousins but their blood is English (if you know what I mean)

Would it be okay to call him Klaus? (baby boy btw)

If not what are some similar names if not?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
SaturdaySurprise · 03/07/2016 19:28

My father was called Klaus, but he was German. It did get mispronounced as Klaws by English speakers.

InionEile · 02/07/2016 22:21

It's not really a current name in Germany right now. Current popular boys names would be maybe Lukas, Leo, Kai, Max and so on. Klaus would be more of a grandad name I think.

bittapitta · 02/07/2016 22:12

It's the name of the fish in American Dad to me Grin

Mottled · 02/07/2016 21:01

Don't think that it is a problem, it would also be fine to use Claude or Claudia.

frenchielala · 02/07/2016 20:56

I love the name Klaus and I wouldn't worry about questions about heritage. It isn't just German - it is popular in Europe. Where I grew up in Stockholm there were lots of Klaus's. I would seriously consider it if I had a son and I've lived in England for years.

MidnightVelvetthe5th · 02/07/2016 16:28

I would pronounce it Clowss to rhyme with mouse.

Its occurred to me from the PP that he would get called Klaus to rhyme with claws a lot....

LaceyLee · 02/07/2016 16:26

I think he would get a lot of Santa jokes but it's up to you, could be worse!

Cjamm · 02/07/2016 16:16

Two of my kids have strong German names and it's really rare for them to be asked if they're German and if they are asked they just say no and everyone moves on. Klaus is a lovely name, almost named my DS that but DH vetoed it. Their are plenty of names that fit the situation at birth but won't in the future, if you really like a name, go for it.

Original poster
Cammy007 · 02/07/2016 15:06

Thank you! I do see how it could be a bother. I also like a couple more English names like Tobias (toby) and Harvey!

OP posts:
PlanBwastaken · 02/07/2016 15:04

How about Chloe for a girl...?

The poor child would be asked about the German connection for the rest of their life, I don't think I would. There are a few American names that sound similar if you're so inclined: Clay, Clinton, Clifton...