Ladislaus is a unique and historic masculine given name with an intriguing origin and rich history. It is derived from the Slavic elements 'ladna' meaning "fair" or "beautiful," and 'slav' which means "glory." Thus, the name Ladislaus can be translated to mean "fair glory" or "beautiful fame."
The name Ladislaus has its roots in Central Europe, particularly in Hungary. It was popularized by several Hungarian kings who bore this name, notably Ladislaus I (also known as Ladislaus the Saint), who ruled from 1077 to 1095 and is revered as a saint in the Catholic Church.
Ladislaus I was renowned for his compassion towards the poor and his commitment to justice. He was also credited with protecting Hungary from invasions by foreign powers, thereby solidifying his legacy as a great king and a national hero. His name has since been associated with courage, wisdom, and benevolence in Hungarian culture.
Throughout history, several other notable figures have carried this name, including Ladislaus II of Bohemia (1200-1225) and Ladislaus III of Hungary (1378-1414). Despite its long-standing popularity in Central Europe, particularly among royalty, the name Ladislaus remains relatively rare today, giving it a distinctive and exotic quality.
In recent times, the name Ladislaus has gained some traction beyond Central Europe due to its unique sound and rich historical associations. However, it continues to be most commonly associated with Hungary and its cultural heritage. Overall, the name Ladislaus is an elegant choice for those seeking a meaningful and uncommon name with deep-rooted historical significance.
The name Ladislaus experienced a significant surge in popularity between 1915 and 1923, with the highest number of births recorded in 1923 at 16. However, its popularity declined thereafter, dropping to just 5 births in 1934. Overall, there were 212 babies named Ladislaus from 1906 to 1934.