Wladyslaw
A boy's name of Polish origin with 119 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Wladyslaw is a vintage name that peaked in early twentieth-century America and has since faded from common use. For parents drawn to retro charm, that quiet history is part of the appeal.
The sharp, distinct quality of its ending — ending on a consonant gives it a firm, clear close — gives it a distinctive rhythm that pairs well with shorter middle names or surnames.
Wladyslaw is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Wladyslaw is a boy's baby name of Polish origin, meaning 'glorious ruler,' from the Old Slavic vladati (to rule) and slava (glory). The name of multiple Polish kings and the patron saint of Poland, Wladyslaw carries centuries of royal Slavic heritage.
EtymologyShow more
Though Wladyslaw dates back to 1911 in U.S. records, its etymological path is not always straightforward. Names that predate modern naming databases sometimes resist easy classification — they may have been oral traditions, regional family names, or adaptations that were never systematically recorded. The Polish classification provides a starting point, but the full derivation likely involves more nuance than a single label can capture.
With only 119 recorded births, Wladyslaw has not been widely studied in naming literature — its story belongs primarily to the families who chose it.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Wladyslaw has 12+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1911.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1920s | 27 | ▼ |
| 1910s | 92 | — |
The Story of Wladyslaw
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1916, Wladyslaw is a name steeped in history. Boys named Wladyslaw are most likely born between 1911 and 1925.
How rare is Wladyslaw?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Wladyslaw is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1911, peaked in the 1910s with 92 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Wladyslaw by the numbers
- Would fill 2 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(12 years, 1911–1925)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1925 | 6 | #4188 |
| 1923 | 6 | #4235 |
| 1920 | 15 | #2230 |
| 1919 | 12 | #2506 |
| 1918 | 12 | #2539 |
| 1917 | 16 | #1984 |
| 1916 | 19 | #1695 |
| 1915 | 7 | #3387 |
| 1914 | 6 | #3258 |
| 1913 | 7 | #2493 |
| 1912 | 7 | #2266 |
| 1911 | 6 | #1737 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wladyslaw a boy's or girl's name?
When was Wladyslaw most popular?
How popular is the name Wladyslaw?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1911–1925