L. Frank Baum 
The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus 

Santa Claus, as a baby is found in the Forest of Burzee and placed in the care of the lioness Shiegra. The Wood Nymph, Necile, breaks the law of the forest and takes the baby because she desires to raise a child of her own as mortals do. Necile calls him Claus, meaning little one in the old Burzee language.