Ladislao

Ladislao is a masculine given name used in Italian and, to some extent, in Spanish-speaking contexts. It is the Italian form of the Slavic name Ladislav, which is related to the Hungarian László and the Czech/Slovak Ladislav. The name is typically understood to derive from elements meaning glory or fame and rule or leadership.

Historically, the name is associated with Saint Ladislaus I of Hungary, an 11th-century king who is venerated in Hungarian and Christian traditions. The spread of the name across Central and Southern Europe through royal and religious channels contributed to its various national forms.

Variants and related names include Ladislaus (Latinized), Ladislav (Czech/Slovak), László (Hungarian), and Laszlo. These forms reflect regional pronunciations and orthographic traditions.

Notable bearers include Ladislao Kubala (1927–2002), a Hungarian-Spanish footballer who became a Barcelona legend and is widely regarded as one of the club’s greatest players. The name continues to appear in literary and historical contexts, often reflecting its Slavic-Hungarian roots. Overall, Ladislao remains a recognizable ethnic and historical given name in Europe, with its usage concentrated in Italy and Spanish-speaking communities.