Meaning & History
Władysław is the Polish form of Vladislav, a name of Old Slavic origin derived from the elements volděti "to rule" and slava "glory". The name was borne by four kings of Poland, as well as numerous other Slavic rulers throughout history.
Etymology
The name Władysław was borrowed from Czech Vladislav, itself from Proto-Slavic *Voldislavŭ. It is a doublet of the native Polish form Włodzisław, which was inherited directly from Old Polish. The root elements emphasize a combination of power and renown, a common theme in Slavic ruler names such as Vladimir or Vladivostok.
Kings of Poland
Władysław I the Elbow-High (1261–1333) reunited the fragmented Kingdom of Poland and was crowned king in 1320. His son, Casimir III the Great, continued his legacy. Władysław II Jagiełło (c. 1362–1434), Grand Duke of Lithuania, became king of Poland after his marriage to Jadwiga of Poland and founded the Jagiellonian dynasty; he defeated the Teutonic Knights at the Battle of Grunwald (1410). Władysław III of Varna (1424–1444) died at the Battle of Varna leading a crusade. Władysław IV Vasa (1595–1648) reigned during the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth's Silver Age, known for his patronage of the arts and military campaigns.
Usage and Variants
Feminine forms include Władysława, and pig names include Władek. Other language variants include Uladzislau (Belarusian), Vladislav (Slovene), Ladislav (Czech, Slovak), László (Hungarian), and Ladislas (French). The name was borrowed into Russian as Vladislav, probably from Polish influence.
- Meaning: "to rule" + "glory"
- Origin: Old Slavic
- Type: First name
- Gender: Masculine
- Usage: Polish (primary), other Slavic and Eastern European cultures
Related Names
Sources: Wiktionary — Władysław