Vlasta

Vlasta is a feminine given name used primarily in Croatian, Czech, Serbian, Slovak, and Slovene. It originated as a short form of names beginning with the Slavic element volstĭ, meaning "power, rule, sovereignty". This root is related to Czech vlast "homeland" and Serbo-Croatian vlast "power". In Czech and Serbian, Vlasta can also be a masculine name.

Etymology and Usage

The name Vlasta is derived from Slavic compound names where vlast- appears, such as Vlastimila (a fuller feminine form) and the masculine names Vlastimil and Vlastislav. As a diminutive, it eventually became established as an independent given name. The Slavic element itself has cognates across many Slavic languages, all carrying connotations of authority or dominion.

Name Day

Vlasta is celebrated on name days in the Czech calendar (December 23) and the Slovak calendar (February 19).

Notable Bearers

Among prominent women named Vlasta:

• Vlasta Burian (1891–1962), Czech actor
• Vlasta Chramostová (1926–2019), Czech actress
• Vlasta Děkanová, Czechoslovak/Czech gymnast
• Vlasta Fabianová (1912–1991), Czech actress
• Vlasta Foltová, Czechoslovak/Czech gymnast
• Vlasta Havelková (1857–1939), Czech ethnographer
• Vlasta Kálalová, Czech physician
• Vlasta Matulová, Czech actress
• Vlasta Parkanová (born 1951), Czech politician
• Vlasta Pavić (born 1957), Croatian politician
• Vlasta Průchová (1926–2006), Czech jazz singer
• Vlasta Štěpová (born 1938), Czech economist and politician
• Vlasta Fialová (1928–1998), Czech actress

Cultural Significance

Vlasta remains a common name in Czech and Slovak societies, often associated with strength due to its literal meaning. Vlastimila is a related feminine form found in Czech.