37 Jolly Names for Santa Claus Across the World

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Relying on the place you might be on this planet, the identify of who’s coming to city at Christmastime modifications with the language. Whereas the US welcomes Santa Claus with open arms, Papá Noel makes his look in Spain, and Jultomte seems proper at dwelling within the Swedish winter panorama. You’ll discover as many traditions about Santa Claus as there are names for the massive man, however all are intrinsically tied to holidays in December.

When you discover ways to say “Merry Christmas” in several languages, you may broaden your information to different phrases appropriate for the Christmas season, like “Santa Claus.” Though the identify sounds related in lots of languages, the pronunciation is perhaps totally different than what you’re used to. Rosetta Stone’s TruAccent pronunciation function will help you grasp the proper strategy to pronounce the languages of your selection!

Names for Santa Claus in 25 languages

The legend of Santa Claus originates on the European continent from way back to the fourth century in historical Greece (modern-day Türkiye). Regardless of his beginnings because the bishop Saint Nicholas, his fashionable picture because the jolly man with a bag of presents for good youngsters has unfold throughout all the globe—even in international locations that don’t have giant Christian populations! Check out what number of names he has in 25 main world languages.

1. Santa Claus in Arabic: بابا نُوِيل (Baba Noel)

Like many cultures exterior of Europe which have adopted Santa Claus, the Arabic identify is a translation of “Father Christmas”: Baba Noel (بابا نُوِيل). Native traditions surrounding him differ all through the Center East, however he nonetheless brings presents to youngsters dressed up in his acquainted crimson go well with. Within the metropolis of Bethlehem, Baba Noel drives round to fulfill youngsters in particular person, delivering presents and spreading pleasure.

2. Santa Claus in Chinese language (Mandarin): 圣诞老人 (Shèngdàn Lǎorén)

The Chinese language identify for Santa is Shèngdàn Lǎorén (圣诞老人), which accurately means “Christmas previous man.” Christmas isn’t a serious vacation in China, however you’ll nonetheless discover Santa’s picture on secular Christmas decorations all through the nation (particularly in main cities).

3. Santa Claus in Dutch: Sinterklaas

The identify Sinterklaas (or Sint-Nicolaas) is the Dutch identify for Saint Nicholas, and you may thank the Dutch for the model of Santa Claus seen on right now’s Christmas merchandise. Like the trendy Santa Claus, Sinterklaas wears crimson and white (within the type of a papal robe) and retains observe of which children have been naughty or good. The Dutch immigrants who based New Amsterdam (now often called New York) are sometimes credited with being the first inspiration for the Santa Claus characterization that developed in the US.

4. Santa Claus in English (American): Santa

Within the US, Santa primarily goes by Santa or Santa Claus. Nonetheless, you would possibly hear numerous different nicknames within the Christmas tales and conventional Christmas carols taking part in in shops and on the radio, like:

• Saint Nick
• Kris Kringle
• Jolly Outdated Saint Nicholas

It doesn’t matter what you name him, the picture is constant for Christmas in America: an previous man with a smile and a spherical stomach, wearing a crimson go well with trimmed in white fur and carrying a sack of toys for good youngsters.

5. Santa Claus in English (British): Father Christmas

The British model of Santa Claus—Father Christmas—began as a logo of Christmas fairly than an precise one who unfold pleasure and cheer. The historical past of Father Christmas dates again to the seventeenth century throughout a time of non secular turmoil in England. His story survived to develop from a personality in a winter play to different photos of Christmastime, together with the Ghost of Christmas Current in Charles Dickens’ 1843 story, A Christmas Carol. 

The picture and mannerisms of the trendy Father Christmas have roughly merged with the American Santa Claus, however he’s nonetheless referred to as Father Christmas by many within the UK and accompanies British Christmas traditions.

6. Santa Claus in Farsi (Persian): بابانوئل (Bābā Noel)

Identical to in Arabic, the Farsi identify for Santa Claus is Bābā Noel (بابانوئل), a direct translation of “Father Christmas.” Though the inhabitants of Iran is predominantly Muslim, you may nonetheless discover festive Christmas celebrations across the nation with acquainted photos: evergreen bushes, sweet canes, and naturally, a well-recognized previous man wearing crimson and white.

7. Santa Claus in French: Père Noël

The French identify for Santa Claus is Père Noël, or “Father Christmas.” In some ways, he intently resembles the opposite personifications that rose from the unique Saint Nicholas. Nonetheless, Christmas in France additionally comes with an evil counterpart: Père Fouettard (Father Whipper). Whereas Père Noël rewards the great youngsters, Père Fouettard is a sinister warning to youngsters getting a little bit too near “naughty.”

8. Santa Claus in German: Weihnachtsmann

You’re certain to search out all kinds of decorations, presents, and treats depicting der Weihnachtsmann (“the Christmas man”) if you happen to wander right into a German Christmas market. He brings presents on Christmas Eve, very similar to in different international locations around the globe, though some folks as a substitute miss a boot for Nikolaus (Saint Nicholas) to fill with goodies on the eve of the Feast of St. Nicholas (December 5). 

This custom additionally comes with one other Western European vacation determine: Krampus. The half-goat, half-demon is alleged to punish the dangerous youngsters, whereas Saint Nicholas rewards the great youngsters.

9. Santa Claus in Greek: Άγιος Βασίλης (Ágios Vasílis)

Though the Saint Nicholas that turned the trendy Santa Claus comes from a Greek story, it’s really Ágios Vasílis (Saint Basil) who symbolizes Christmas in Greece! Saint Nicholas was related to reward giving (being the patron saint of youngsters and toymakers, amongst different issues), and Ágios Vasílis was identified for his presents to the poor and underprivileged round Christmas. His feast day is definitely on January 1, that means youngsters in Greece should wait till New Yr’s Eve for his or her presents.

10. Santa Claus in Hebrew: סנטה קלאוס (Santa Klaos)

The Hebrew identify for Santa Claus is just Santa Klaos (סנטה קלאוס), as his picture and traditions are borrowed from overseas. The one nation with Hebrew as its native language is Israel, which has a predominantly Jewish inhabitants. Christmas generally overlaps with the Jewish vacation of Hanukkah, and whilst you’re extra more likely to see menorahs lighting up home windows in December, you may nonetheless discover Christmas celebrations and pictures of Santa Klaos in Israel. That is very true within the cities of Jerusalem (which has holy websites for Christianity in addition to Islam and Judaism), Jaffa, and Bethlehem.

11. Santa Claus in Hindi: सांता क्लॉज़ (Saanta Kloz)

India additionally has a small Christian inhabitants, however the worldwide recognition of Christmas means Saanta Kloz (सांता क्लॉज़) nonetheless makes an look! You possibly can take pleasure in lights, Christmas bushes, market stalls with meals and presents, and pictures of Saanta Kloz if you happen to attend occasions just like the well-known Kolkata Christmas Competition.

12. Santa Claus in Irish: Daidí na Nollag

Santa Claus is Daidí na Nollag or “Daddy of Christmas” in Irish Gaelic. You may also hear San Nioclás (Saint Nicholas) or Saintí (Santa). Just like the Christmas traditions present in close by England, Daidí na Nollag brings presents for kids to open on Christmas morning. In the event you’re desirous about leaving him milk and cookies as a deal with, strive a mince pie with a glass of Guinness as a substitute!

13. Santa Claus in Italian: Babbo Natale

Whereas Babbo Natale (Father Christmas) is one in every of a sort, Italian youngsters may also get visited by as much as two different figures. The Christmas witch La Befana saves her presents for after the brand new 12 months, arriving on January 6. In the meantime, Italian Christmas traditions in northern Italy generally embrace Santa Lucia bringing youngsters presents on December 13. A number of the traditions related to Santa Claus handed on to her, too, together with leaving treats for her steed (a donkey as a substitute of a reindeer).

14. Santa Claus in Japanese: サンタクロース (Santa Kurōsu)

Santa Kurōsu—or the extra affectionate Santa San (サンタさん, Mr. Santa)—is extra of a logo of the season fairly than an energetic participant, as Christmas is generally a secular vacation in Japan. Whereas some Japanese youngsters are informed that Santa brings them presents, it’s additionally frequent for kids to obtain presents from household as a substitute. 

One other aged determine based mostly on an actual particular person with snow-white hair and a crimson go well with you’ll see round Christmas in Japan is a bit sudden: Colonel Sanders of Kentucky Fried Rooster fame. Though the annual custom stems from needing a poultry alternative for turkey, the visible similarities between Santa Claus and Colonel Sanders are plain to see.

15. Santa Claus in Korean: 산타 할아버지 (Santa Harabeoji)

Like its neighbors Japan and China, Korea’s Santa Claus—often called Santa Harabeoji (산타 할아버지) or “Grandfather Santa”—is a largely secular determine. Nonetheless, Korea stands aside within the area as a result of a big portion of its inhabitants identifies as Christian, which suggests Christmas has extra non secular relevance in Korea. Reward-giving isn’t as giant part of Korean Christmas celebrations as in different elements of the world, however you may nonetheless discover photos of Santa Harabeoji all through the season.

16. Santa Claus in Latin: Sanctus Nicolaus

Whereas our fashionable model of Christmas didn’t exist in Historical Rome, Saint Nicholas did. Sanctus Nicolaus was alive when the Roman Empire started its transition to Christianity with the rise of Constantine I. One concept about why Christmas is on December 25 is even associated to Roman celebrations. The pageant of Saturnalia (in honor of the god Saturn) coincided with the winter solstice, and as Rome’s affect and conquests expanded, so did the variety of folks celebrating a variant of Saturnalia. In modern-day Italy, Christmas in Rome is as festive as any main metropolis within the nation.

17. Santa Claus in Polish: Święty Mikołaj

Santa Claus is named Święty Mikołaj (Saint Nicholas) in Polish, however he’s not the one one who brings Christmas presents. Relying on the area of the nation, youngsters could obtain presents from:

• Święty Mikołaj: Saint Nicholas historically brings presents on December 6 fairly than December 24 or 25.
• Aniołek: The “angel” is invisible and brings presents throughout Christmas Eve dinner.
• Dzieciątko: Child Jesus himself is the reward giver on his personal birthday in some elements of Poland.
• Gwiazdor: The “star man” is thought for having presents for good youngsters and a rózga (stick) for naughty ones.

18. Santa Claus in Portuguese: Papai Noel

The Portuguese identify for Santa Claus is one other variation of “Father Christmas”: Papai Noel. That is true for each Portugal and Brazil, however he’s also called Bom Velhinho (good previous man) in Brazil. Portugal proudly shows the largest and smallest Santa Clauses on this planet throughout an annual pageant within the metropolis of Águeda. The most important Santa is almost 70 toes tall, whereas the smallest is just seen by way of a microscope.

19. Santa Claus in Russian: Дед Мороз (Ded Moroz)

The Russian variation of Santa Claus—Ded Moroz (Дед Мороз), or “Grandfather Frost”—is a little more distinctive than a few of his different iterations around the globe. Ded Moroz is definitely unrelated to Saint Nicholas and is as a substitute extra of a winter wizard. In the event you’ve ever seen a vacation ornament of a person who seems like Santa, however is wearing blue as a substitute of crimson, you’re in all probability taking a look at Ded Moroz! Historically, Ded Moroz brings presents on New Yr’s Eve, accompanied by his granddaughter, Snegurochka (Snow Maiden).

20. Santa Claus in Spanish (Latin America): Papá Noel and numerous others

The Spanish-speaking international locations of South America and Central America stretch from the southern tip of Argentina and Chile in South America to as far north as Mexico, and Christmas traditions differ all through the area. Consequently, Santa Claus goes by many names in Spanish relying on the nation, reminiscent of:

• San Nicolás (Saint Nicholas): Honduras, Venezuela
• Viejito Pascuero (Outdated Man Christmas): Chile
• Colacho (nickname for Nicolacho, or Nicholas): Costa Rica
• Santa Clós (Santa Claus): Central American international locations like Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua
• Papá Noel (Father Christmas): South American international locations like Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and Bolivia

21. Santa Claus in Spanish (Spain): Papá Noel

In Spain, Santa Claus turns into Papá Noel (Father Christmas). Nonetheless, for Christmas in Spain, he’s historically not the one who brings presents to youngsters. As an alternative, the three clever males who introduced gold, frankincense, and myrrh to child Jesus within the Bible’s Christmas story fill that function. Most Spanish households wait till Día de Reyes (Three Kings Day) on January fifth to begin giving out presents.

22. Santa Claus in Swedish: Jultomte

The Swedish Santa Claus—Jultomte (or the shortened Tomte)—shares his identify with mischievous little creatures that resemble gnomes. These spirits predate the arrival of Christianity (and Christmas) in Scandinavia, and so they historically count on presents across the winter solstice. When Santa got here on the scene, his borrowed picture as Saint Nicholas was merged with traits from the jultomte, together with their identify. Like Italy, Swedish vacation traditions embrace Saint Lucia, though you’re extra more likely to discover scrumptious lussekatter (Swedish Saffron Buns) than presents on December 13.

23. Santa Claus in Tagalog (Filipino): Santa Klaws

The Philippines is thought for having one of many longest Christmas celebrations (all the way in which from September to the primary week of January), so that you’ll see loads of Santa Klaws by the point the brand new 12 months rolls round. In the event you’re a fan of the Secret Santa gift-giving custom, you’ll love the Filipino equal of Monito Monita (“little monkey” in female and male types). Members are randomly assigned an individual to get a present for (the monito or monita) and generally get a theme to observe for inspiration. That is performed over a number of rounds in a enjoyable recreation of reward giving.

24. Santa Claus in Turkish: Noel Baba

Regardless that Türkiye is a predominantly Muslim nation with a really small Christian inhabitants, Noel Baba stays a well-known determine. In any case, the Saint Nicholas who finally turned Santa Claus lived in Türkiye! Town of Demre, Türkiye, is the trendy location of the place Saint Nicholas is alleged to have been born (Myra of the Lycia area). You possibly can nonetheless go to the St. Nicholas Church in Demre right now.

25. Santa Claus in Vietnamese: Ông Già Nôel

The Vietnamese Santa Claus, Ông Già Nôel (Outdated Man Noel), left his reindeer on the North Pole and swapped his sleigh for a motorbike. In any other case, he follows lots of the similar traditions as the trendy, commercialized Santa Claus: presents for kids, a well-recognized crimson go well with regardless of the tropical local weather, and the embodiment of the celebratory Christmas spirit.

Greet Santa in one in every of Rosetta Stone’s 25 languages

Whether or not he goes by Santa Claus, Père Noël, or Daidí na Nollag, he’s coming to city in December. Which of the totally different names for Santa Claus will you be calling him when he stops by? In the event you name him by any of the above monikers, perhaps he’ll even reward you with the reward of language studying by way of Rosetta Stone!