Ljudevit

Ljudevit is a given name of Slavic origin. It is composed of two elements: "ljudo" meaning "people" and "vit" meaning "rule" or "lord". Therefore, the name Ljudevit can be interpreted as "ruler of the people" or "lord of the people".

The name is most famously associated with Ljudevit Posavski, a 9th-century Slavic duke who led a revolt against the Frankish Empire. His rebellion is a significant event in the early history of the South Slavs and is documented in Frankish chronicles. Ljudevit's uprising sought to assert independence for his people, the Pannonian Slavs, against Frankish domination. Despite initial successes, his rebellion was eventually suppressed.

The name Ljudevit is still used today, primarily in Croatia and Slovenia, though it is not as common as some other Slavic given names. It carries a historical resonance due to its association with Ljudevit Posavski and its meaning related to leadership and the people. Variants of the name may exist in different Slavic languages, reflecting the shared linguistic roots of the region. The historical figure of Ljudevit Posavski remains a point of interest for historians studying the early medieval period of Central and Southeastern Europe.