Ladislaus

Ladislaus is a given name of Latinized form of the Slavic name Vladislav. It was common in medieval Central Europe, particularly among Hungarian and Polish royalty. The name derives from the Slavic elements vlad- “to rule” and slav “glory” or “fame,” roughly meaning “glorious ruler.” In Latin chronicles it is used with regnal numbers such as Ladislaus I, II, III, and so on.

Notable bearers in Hungary include Saint Ladislaus I (c. 1040–1095), who ruled from 1077 to 1095 and was canonized for his piety and military campaigns; Ladislaus II (r. 1162–1163), who reigned briefly; Ladislaus IV (1272–1290), known for his sympathy toward the Cumans; and Ladislaus the Posthumous (also Ladislaus V), a mid‑15th‑century king who ruled in Hungary and Bohemia as a child.

In Poland, the Latinized form appears for Władysław II Jagiełło (Ladislaus II), king of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania (reigned 1386–1434), and his son Władysław III (Ladislaus III), who reigned as king of Poland (and briefly in Hungary) from 1434 to 1444.

Variants and legacy: The name survives in modern languages as Vladislav (Slavic), László (Hungarian), Władysław (Polish), and Ladislav in other Slavic tongues. The Latin form Ladislaus appears in historical texts, heraldry, and toponyms associated with Central European rulers.