Bolesław

bold and glorious
Slavic origin · Boy name
97% boys3% girls
#1755US 2023
10Births / yr
Stable
Top 1.3%Percentile
How to pronounce Bolesław
baw-le-swaf
/baw-le-swaf/ · · 3 syllables
bold and glorious
Slavic origin · Boy name

What does Bolesław mean and where does it come from?

Bolesław is derived from the Slavic elements 'bole' meaning 'more' and 'slav' meaning 'glory'.

Cultural significance
The name has historical significance in Poland, associated with several kings and notable figures.
Peak popularity
Reached #1755 in 2015 — currently #1755 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Slavic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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How else can you spell Bolesław?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Bolesław?

Bolesław works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Bolesław Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Bolesław John
One syllable · timeless choice
Bolesław Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Bolesław Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Bolesław Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Bolesław Kai
One syllable · vintage charm
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Bolesław
Browse ideas →

How popular is Bolesław right now?

Holding steady — currently #1755 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20192023#1755 · Top 1.3%
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#175510stable
2022#175510stable
2021#175510stable
2020#175510stable
2019#175510
💎Bolesław is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for Bolesław?

POLISH
Bolek
CZECH
Boleslava
POLISH
Bolesława
RUSSIAN
Boleslava

Famous people named Bolesław

BI
Bolesław I Chrobry
The first King of Poland, known for his military conquests and efforts to unite the Polish state.
BI
Bolesław II Śmiały
A Polish king known for his strong rule and conflicts with the church.
BI
Bolesław III Krzywousty
A Polish duke who played a crucial role in the fragmentation of Poland.
BI
Bolesław IV Kędzierzawy
A Polish prince known for his reign during the 12th century.
BV
Bolesław V Wstydliwy
A Polish duke noted for his piety and efforts to maintain peace.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
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What are the girl versions of Bolesław?

Common questions about the name Bolesław

What does the name Bolesław mean?
Bolesław means "bold and glorious" — a name rooted in Slavic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Bolesław?
Bolesław is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Bolesław?
Bolesław originates from Slavic tradition. Slavic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What sibling names go well with Bolesław?
Bolesław pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Norse heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Bolesław more of a girl or boy name?
Bolesław is primarily used as a boy name, giving it a clear, timeless character while remaining accessible to modern families.