Rostislav

Boy Name
Origin:slavic
Pronunciation:/ˈroʊ.stɪ.slɑːv/

Rostislav: a male name of Slavic origin meaning "This name derives from the Old Slavic name “Rastislav,” composed of two elements: From the Proto-Baltic “*rad-ti > *rasti” (Serbian: rȃsti “ра̑сти”), meaning “to grow, high, to increase, to raise” plus the Slavic “sláva ‎(сла́ва),” meaning “glory, fame, renown, honor, repute, reputation". It derives from the Slavic word "*rad-ti > *rasti sláva > Rastislav".

In Slavic tradition, Rostislav holds special significance as a masculine name representing This name derives from the Old Slavic name “Rastislav,” composed of two elements: From the Proto-Baltic “*rad-ti > *rasti” (Serbian: rȃsti “ра̑сти”), meaning “to grow, high, to increase, to raise” plus the Slavic “sláva ‎(сла́ва),” meaning “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 Rostislav

Quick facts about Rostislav
OriginSlavic
GenderBoy name
PopularityUncommon

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 Old Slavic name “Rastislav,” composed of two elements: From the Proto-Baltic “*rad-ti > *rasti” (Serbian: rȃsti “ра̑сти”), meaning “to grow, high, to increase, to raise” plus the Slavic “sláva ‎(сла́ва),” meaning “glory, fame, renown, honor, repute, reputation.” The name means “one who increases his glory.” Rastislav or Rostislav, also known as St. Rastislav (Latin: Rastiz, Greek: Rasisthlabos), was the second known ruler of Moravia (846–870). Although he started his reign as a vassal to Louis the German, king of East Francia, he consolidated his rule to the extent that after 855, he was able to repel a series of Frankish attacks. According to the Czech calendar, the feast day is celebrated on April 19, Slovakia, on January 13.

Etymology & Details

Name Root

*rad-ti > *rasti sláva > Rastislav

Other Scripts

Bulgarian / Russian (Ростислав)

How to Pronounce Rostislav

Rostislav is pronounced /ˈroʊ.stɪ.slɑːv/

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Ros-tis-lav
  2. Say it like: "ROS-TIS-LAV"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

This name has found popularity across russian, czech, and bulgarian speaking regions, demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal and adaptability.

russianczechbulgarian
Frequently Asked Questions About Rostislav
What does the name Rostislav mean?
Rostislav means "This name derives from the Old Slavic name “Rastislav,” composed of two elements: From the Proto-Baltic “*rad-ti > *rasti” (Serbian: rȃsti “ра̑сти”), meaning “to grow, high, to increase, to raise” plus the Slavic “sláva ‎(сла́ва),” meaning “glory, fame, renown, honor, repute, reputation.” The name means “one who increases his glory.” Rastislav or Rostislav, also known as St. Rastislav (Latin: Rastiz, Greek: Rasisthlabos), was the second known ruler of Moravia (846–870). Although he started his reign as a vassal to Louis the German, king of East Francia, he consolidated his rule to the extent that after 855, he was able to repel a series of Frankish attacks. According to the Czech calendar, the feast day is celebrated on April 19, Slovakia, on January 13.". The name comes from *rad-ti > *rasti sláva > Rastislav. In its original form, the name derives from rȃsti (ра̑сти) sláva ‎(сла́ва). This slavic name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Rostislav for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Old Slavic name “Rastislav,” composed of two elements: From the Proto-Baltic “*rad-ti > *rasti” (Serbian: rȃsti “ра̑сти”), meaning “to grow, high, to increase, to raise” plus the Slavic “sláva ‎(сла́ва),” meaning “glory, fame, renown, honor, repute, reputation.” The name means “one who increases his glory.” Rastislav or Rostislav, also known as St. Rastislav (Latin: Rastiz, Greek: Rasisthlabos), was the second known ruler of Moravia (846–870). Although he started his reign as a vassal to Louis the German, king of East Francia, he consolidated his rule to the extent that after 855, he was able to repel a series of Frankish attacks. According to the Czech calendar, the feast day is celebrated on April 19, Slovakia, on January 13." as a quality they hope to see in their child. Rostislav offers a distinctive option for parents who want a name with clear meaning that stands apart from more common choices. The name is associated with qualities like RELIGION (SAINTS), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Rostislav?
Rostislav is a slavic name. The name traces back to *rad-ti > *rasti sláva > Rastislav. The original form rȃsti (ра̑сти) sláva ‎(сла́ва) shows the name's roots in its native language. In its native script, Rostislav is written as Bulgarian / Russian (Ростислав). From its slavic roots, Rostislav spread to become common in russian, czech, bulgarian. The slavic meaning "This name derives from the Old Slavic name “Rastislav,” composed of two elements: From the Proto-Baltic “*rad-ti > *rasti” (Serbian: rȃsti “ра̑сти”), meaning “to grow, high, to increase, to raise” plus the Slavic “sláva ‎(сла́ва),” meaning “glory, fame, renown, honor, repute, reputation.” The name means “one who increases his glory.” Rastislav or Rostislav, also known as St. Rastislav (Latin: Rastiz, Greek: Rasisthlabos), was the second known ruler of Moravia (846–870). Although he started his reign as a vassal to Louis the German, king of East Francia, he consolidated his rule to the extent that after 855, he was able to repel a series of Frankish attacks. According to the Czech calendar, the feast day is celebrated on April 19, Slovakia, on January 13." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Rostislav a boy or girl name?
Rostislav 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, Rostislav has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Old Slavic name “Rastislav,” composed of two elements: From the Proto-Baltic “*rad-ti > *rasti” (Serbian: rȃsti “ра̑сти”), meaning “to grow, high, to increase, to raise” plus the Slavic “sláva ‎(сла́ва),” meaning “glory, fame, renown, honor, repute, reputation.” The name means “one who increases his glory.” Rastislav or Rostislav, also known as St. Rastislav (Latin: Rastiz, Greek: Rasisthlabos), was the second known ruler of Moravia (846–870). Although he started his reign as a vassal to Louis the German, king of East Francia, he consolidated his rule to the extent that after 855, he was able to repel a series of Frankish attacks. According to the Czech calendar, the feast day is celebrated on April 19, Slovakia, on January 13." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Rostislav?
Rostislav is pronounced "/ˈroʊ.stɪ.slɑːv/". This pronunciation follows sl language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Bulgarian / Russian (Ростислав), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Rostislav is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in russian, czech, bulgarian, 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 Rostislav can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. This pronunciation has been verified and represents the standard way to say the name. The name's root *rad-ti > *rasti sláva > Rastislav influences how Rostislav sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Rostislav?
Rostislav is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Rostislav gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Rostislav'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 Old Slavic name “Rastislav,” composed of two elements: From the Proto-Baltic “*rad-ti > *rasti” (Serbian: rȃsti “ра̑сти”), meaning “to grow, high, to increase, to raise” plus the Slavic “sláva ‎(сла́ва),” meaning “glory, fame, renown, honor, repute, reputation.” The name means “one who increases his glory.” Rastislav or Rostislav, also known as St. Rastislav (Latin: Rastiz, Greek: Rasisthlabos), was the second known ruler of Moravia (846–870). Although he started his reign as a vassal to Louis the German, king of East Francia, he consolidated his rule to the extent that after 855, he was able to repel a series of Frankish attacks. According to the Czech calendar, the feast day is celebrated on April 19, Slovakia, on January 13." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Rostislav holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Rostislav commonly used?
Rostislav is common in russian and czech and bulgarian naming traditions. Though slavic in origin, Rostislav found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Rostislav, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from the Old Slavic name “Rastislav,” composed of two elements: From the Proto-Baltic “*rad-ti > *rasti” (Serbian: rȃsti “ра̑сти”), meaning “to grow, high, to increase, to raise” plus the Slavic “sláva ‎(сла́ва),” meaning “glory, fame, renown, honor, repute, reputation.” The name means “one who increases his glory.” Rastislav or Rostislav, also known as St. Rastislav (Latin: Rastiz, Greek: Rasisthlabos), was the second known ruler of Moravia (846–870). Although he started his reign as a vassal to Louis the German, king of East Francia, he consolidated his rule to the extent that after 855, he was able to repel a series of Frankish attacks. According to the Czech calendar, the feast day is celebrated on April 19, Slovakia, on January 13." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Rostislav into their naming traditions. A child named Rostislav 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, Rostislav is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Rostislav?
Rostislav carries associations with RELIGION (SAINTS). These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Old Slavic name “Rastislav,” composed of two elements: From the Proto-Baltic “*rad-ti > *rasti” (Serbian: rȃsti “ра̑сти”), meaning “to grow, high, to increase, to raise” plus the Slavic “sláva ‎(сла́ва),” meaning “glory, fame, renown, honor, repute, reputation.” The name means “one who increases his glory.” Rastislav or Rostislav, also known as St. Rastislav (Latin: Rastiz, Greek: Rasisthlabos), was the second known ruler of Moravia (846–870). Although he started his reign as a vassal to Louis the German, king of East Francia, he consolidated his rule to the extent that after 855, he was able to repel a series of Frankish attacks. According to the Czech calendar, the feast day is celebrated on April 19, Slovakia, on January 13." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In slavic culture, where Rostislav originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Rostislav sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Rostislav often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In russian communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

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