Meaning, origin, history
Rostislav is a Slavic given name of Czech origin. It is composed of two elements: "rost" which means "glory" or "fame", and "slav" which means "glory" or "praise". Thus, the name Rostislav translates to "famous in glory" or "glorious fame".
The name has a rich history in Czech culture. It was borne by several notable historical figures, including Prince Rostislav of Moravia (c. 820-870), who ruled from around 845 until his death. He is remembered for his efforts to unify the Moravian lands and for his role in the Battle of the Great Morava against the Bulgarians in 863.
Another famous bearer of the name was Rostislav Šrubař (1920-1970), a Czech writer, poet, and translator who was active during the mid-twentieth century. His works include collections of poetry such as "The Sun and Other Stars" and translations of works by foreign authors into Czech.
In popular culture, Rostislav is also the name of a character in the video game series "Kingdom Come: Deliverance", set in medieval Bohemia. The protagonist's blacksmith father shares this name, adding to the familiarity of the name among gamers.
Despite its historical significance and rich cultural heritage, Rostislav remains relatively uncommon as a given name today. However, it is still recognized as a distinctively Slavic and Czech name with a powerful meaning that reflects its origins in glory and praise.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Rostislav since 1880
Total births
5
Total since 1880
Peak year
2015
5 births
in 2015
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-100%
↘
vs previous 5 years