Boleslaw
A boy's name of Polish origin with 277 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Boleslaw is a three-syllable boy's name with a sharp, distinct sound — ending on a consonant gives it a firm, clear close. With only 277 recorded U.S. births, it is exceptionally rare — the kind of name most people encounter for the first time when they meet your child.
Boleslaw is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Boleslaw is a boy's baby name of Polish origin, from the Old Slavic bole ('greater, more') and sław ('glory, fame'), meaning 'greater glory.' Bolesław I the Brave was the first crowned king of Poland (1025), and the name has been carried by Polish kings, nobles, and saints throughout medieval history.
In Polish American communities, Boleslaw represents a connection to deep Slavic heritage and Polish royal history — a name that carries centuries of national pride.
EtymologyShow more
Boleslaw is cataloged under the Polish naming tradition. Names from the Polish tradition carry linguistic and cultural patterns that shape their sound, structure, and associations.
In the U.S., Boleslaw has been recorded as a boy's name since 1909, with 277 total births. Browse the Polish names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Boleslaw has 17+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1909.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1920s | 78 | ▼ |
| 1910s | 194 | ▲ |
| 1900s | 5 | — |
The Story of Boleslaw
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1916, Boleslaw is a name steeped in history. Boys named Boleslaw are most likely born between 1909 and 1926.
How rare is Boleslaw?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Boleslaw is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1909, peaked in the 1910s with 194 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Boleslaw by the numbers
- Would fill 6 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(17 years, 1909–1927)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1927 | 7 | #3490 |
| 1926 | 7 | #3423 |
| 1925 | 7 | #3453 |
| 1924 | 7 | #3531 |
| 1923 | 9 | #2969 |
| 1922 | 9 | #3045 |
| 1921 | 13 | #2393 |
| 1920 | 19 | #1827 |
| 1919 | 39 | #1101 |
| 1918 | 21 | #1660 |
| 1917 | 27 | #1328 |
| 1916 | 40 | #1013 |
| 1915 | 23 | #1415 |
| 1914 | 22 | #1268 |
| 1913 | 12 | #1592 |
| 1912 | 10 | #1631 |
| 1909 | 5 | #1477 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1909–1927