The original name of Santa Claus was St. Nicolas, as mentioned in option 4. The name Santa Claus evolved from the Dutch name "Sinterklaas," which is a contraction of the Dutch name for St. Nicolas. St. Nicolas was a Christian saint who lived in the 4th century CE in present-day Turkey. He was known for his kindness and giving gifts to the poor. Over time, the legend of St. Nicolas spread throughout Europe, and his feast day on December 6th became a popular time for gift-giving. As European traditions merged with various local customs, the character of St. Nicolas evolved into the modern Santa Claus that we recognize today. Santa Claus is now a beloved figure associated with Christmas and gift-giving around the world.