Ladislav: a male name of Slavic origin meaning "This name derives from the Slavic “Vladislav (Владислав),” composed of two elements: “vladěti (владѣти) vladétʹ (владе́ть)” (to rule, to own, possess, be master of, own, govern, control, to master, manage) plus “sláva (сла́ва)” (glory, fame, renown, honor, repute, reputation)".It derives from the Slavic word "vladěti / vladétʹ sláva > Vladislav".
In Slavic tradition, Ladislav holds special significance as a masculine name representing This name derives from the Slavic “Vladislav (Владислав),” composed of two elements: “vladěti (владѣти) vladétʹ (владе́ть)” (to rule, to own, possess, be master of, own, govern, control, to master, manage) plus “sláva (сла́ва)” (glory, fame, renown, honor, repute, reputation). This name has been cherished across generations, carrying with it the wisdom and heritage of Slavic culture. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal resonance.
Quick Facts About Ladislav
Quick facts about Ladislav
Origin
Slavic
Gender
Boy name
Popularity
Uncommon
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Slavic “Vladislav (Владислав),” composed of two elements: “vladěti (владѣти) vladétʹ (владе́ть)” (to rule, to own, possess, be master of, own, govern, control, to master, manage) plus “sláva (сла́ва)” (glory, fame, renown, honor, repute, reputation). In turn, the name means “to rule with glory, glorious lord, one who commands fame.” Vladislaus I (1065–1125) was Duke of Bohemia from 1109 to 1117 and from 1120 until his death. Vladislav I was a son of Duke, later King Vratislaus II of Bohemia, by his second wife, Svatava, a daughter of Casimir I of Poland. The name is popular among all Slavic nations as well as some neighboring non-Slavic countries.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
vladěti / vladétʹ sláva > Vladislav
How to Pronounce Ladislav
Ladislav is pronounced /ˈlɑː.dɪ.slɑːv/
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Lad-islav
Say it like: "LAD-ISLAV"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Ladislav enjoys international appeal, used in 4 different linguistic and cultural contexts including croatian, czech, slovene, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.
croatianczechsloveneslovak
Name Relationships
Ladislav is a variant form of Vladislav, developed through regional pronunciation differences and linguistic evolution. This variation preserves the essential meaning while offering a unique sound.
Ladislav means "This name derives from the Slavic “Vladislav (Владислав),” composed of two elements: “vladěti (владѣти) vladétʹ (владе́ть)” (to rule, to own, possess, be master of, own, govern, control, to master, manage) plus “sláva (сла́ва)” (glory, fame, renown, honor, repute, reputation). In turn, the name means “to rule with glory, glorious lord, one who commands fame.” Vladislaus I (1065–1125) was Duke of Bohemia from 1109 to 1117 and from 1120 until his death. Vladislav I was a son of Duke, later King Vratislaus II of Bohemia, by his second wife, Svatava, a daughter of Casimir I of Poland. The name is popular among all Slavic nations as well as some neighboring non-Slavic countries.". The name comes from vladěti / vladétʹ sláva > Vladislav. In its original form, the name derives from vladěti (владѣти) vladétʹ (владе́ть) sláva (сла́ва) Vladislav (Владислав). This slavic name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Ladislav for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Slavic “Vladislav (Владислав),” composed of two elements: “vladěti (владѣти) vladétʹ (владе́ть)” (to rule, to own, possess, be master of, own, govern, control, to master, manage) plus “sláva (сла́ва)” (glory, fame, renown, honor, repute, reputation). In turn, the name means “to rule with glory, glorious lord, one who commands fame.” Vladislaus I (1065–1125) was Duke of Bohemia from 1109 to 1117 and from 1120 until his death. Vladislav I was a son of Duke, later King Vratislaus II of Bohemia, by his second wife, Svatava, a daughter of Casimir I of Poland. The name is popular among all Slavic nations as well as some neighboring non-Slavic countries." as a quality they hope to see in their child. Ladislav offers a distinctive option for parents who want a name with clear meaning that stands apart from more common choices.
What is the origin of the name Ladislav?
Ladislav is a slavic name. The name traces back to vladěti / vladétʹ sláva > Vladislav. The original form vladěti (владѣти) vladétʹ (владе́ть) sláva (сла́ва) Vladislav (Владислав) shows the name's roots in its native language. From its slavic roots, Ladislav spread to become common in croatian, czech, slovene, slovak. The slavic meaning "This name derives from the Slavic “Vladislav (Владислав),” composed of two elements: “vladěti (владѣти) vladétʹ (владе́ть)” (to rule, to own, possess, be master of, own, govern, control, to master, manage) plus “sláva (сла́ва)” (glory, fame, renown, honor, repute, reputation). In turn, the name means “to rule with glory, glorious lord, one who commands fame.” Vladislaus I (1065–1125) was Duke of Bohemia from 1109 to 1117 and from 1120 until his death. Vladislav I was a son of Duke, later King Vratislaus II of Bohemia, by his second wife, Svatava, a daughter of Casimir I of Poland. The name is popular among all Slavic nations as well as some neighboring non-Slavic countries." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared. Ladislav developed as a form of Vladislav, adapting over time while keeping its connection to the original name.
Is Ladislav a boy or girl name?
Ladislav is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In slavic tradition, Ladislav has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Slavic “Vladislav (Владислав),” composed of two elements: “vladěti (владѣти) vladétʹ (владе́ть)” (to rule, to own, possess, be master of, own, govern, control, to master, manage) plus “sláva (сла́ва)” (glory, fame, renown, honor, repute, reputation). In turn, the name means “to rule with glory, glorious lord, one who commands fame.” Vladislaus I (1065–1125) was Duke of Bohemia from 1109 to 1117 and from 1120 until his death. Vladislav I was a son of Duke, later King Vratislaus II of Bohemia, by his second wife, Svatava, a daughter of Casimir I of Poland. The name is popular among all Slavic nations as well as some neighboring non-Slavic countries." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Ladislav?
Ladislav is pronounced "/ˈlɑː.dɪ.slɑːv/". This pronunciation follows sl language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Ladislav is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in croatian, czech, slovene, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with slavic names, listening to a native speaker say Ladislav can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root vladěti / vladétʹ sláva > Vladislav influences how Ladislav sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Ladislav?
Ladislav is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Ladislav gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Ladislav's popularity may vary between slavic communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Slavic “Vladislav (Владислав),” composed of two elements: “vladěti (владѣти) vladétʹ (владе́ть)” (to rule, to own, possess, be master of, own, govern, control, to master, manage) plus “sláva (сла́ва)” (glory, fame, renown, honor, repute, reputation). In turn, the name means “to rule with glory, glorious lord, one who commands fame.” Vladislaus I (1065–1125) was Duke of Bohemia from 1109 to 1117 and from 1120 until his death. Vladislav I was a son of Duke, later King Vratislaus II of Bohemia, by his second wife, Svatava, a daughter of Casimir I of Poland. The name is popular among all Slavic nations as well as some neighboring non-Slavic countries." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Ladislav holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
What are variations of the name Ladislav?
Ladislav is a form of Vladislav. Over time, Vladislav developed into several variations, with Ladislav emerging as a distinct form used in certain regions or languages. In slavic tradition, these variations allow the core name to work across different contexts while maintaining its character. All variations preserve the meaning "This name derives from the Slavic “Vladislav (Владислав),” composed of two elements: “vladěti (владѣти) vladétʹ (владе́ть)” (to rule, to own, possess, be master of, own, govern, control, to master, manage) plus “sláva (сла́ва)” (glory, fame, renown, honor, repute, reputation). In turn, the name means “to rule with glory, glorious lord, one who commands fame.” Vladislaus I (1065–1125) was Duke of Bohemia from 1109 to 1117 and from 1120 until his death. Vladislav I was a son of Duke, later King Vratislaus II of Bohemia, by his second wife, Svatava, a daughter of Casimir I of Poland. The name is popular among all Slavic nations as well as some neighboring non-Slavic countries.", so choosing between them comes down to sound preference and cultural fit rather than different meanings. Parents drawn to Ladislav might also consider these related forms, especially if they want options for siblings or prefer a more traditional or modern feel. In croatian and czech, Ladislav may be more or less common than its variations, depending on local naming customs.
Where is the name Ladislav commonly used?
Ladislav spans multiple cultures, including croatian, czech, slovene, and 1 other traditions. Though slavic in origin, Ladislav found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Ladislav, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from the Slavic “Vladislav (Владислав),” composed of two elements: “vladěti (владѣти) vladétʹ (владе́ть)” (to rule, to own, possess, be master of, own, govern, control, to master, manage) plus “sláva (сла́ва)” (glory, fame, renown, honor, repute, reputation). In turn, the name means “to rule with glory, glorious lord, one who commands fame.” Vladislaus I (1065–1125) was Duke of Bohemia from 1109 to 1117 and from 1120 until his death. Vladislav I was a son of Duke, later King Vratislaus II of Bohemia, by his second wife, Svatava, a daughter of Casimir I of Poland. The name is popular among all Slavic nations as well as some neighboring non-Slavic countries." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Ladislav into their naming traditions. A child named Ladislav will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Ladislav is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.