__NOTOC__ Bolesław, Boleslaw, Boleslav or Boleslaus in Latin, is a male given name of Slavic origin meaning ''great glory''. Feminine forms: Bolesława / Boleslava. It was the favoured dynastic name in the Polish

Piast dynasty The House of Piast was the first historical ruling dynasty of Poland. The first documented Polish monarch was Duke Mieszko I (c. 930–992). The Piasts' royal rule in Poland ended in 1370 with the death of king Casimir III the Great. Branc ...

and also, to a considerably lesser extent, among the Czech Přemyslids. Into the Piasts was borrowed from Přemyslids through inheritance in female line. (The mother of first Polish monarch of that name, i.e. Boleslaus the Brave, was the Czech princess

Doubravka of Bohemia Doubravka of Bohemia, Dobrawa ( cs, Doubravka Přemyslovna, pl, Dobrawa, Dąbrówka; ca. 940/45 – 977) was a Bohemian princess of the Přemyslid dynasty and by marriage Duchess of the Polans. She was the daughter of Boleslaus I the Cruel, ...

, whose

father A father is the male parent of a child. Besides the paternal bonds of a father to his children, the father may have a parental, legal, and social relationship with the child that carries with it certain rights and obligations. An adoptive fathe ...

and

brother A brother is a man or boy who shares one or more parents with another; a male sibling. The female counterpart is a sister. Although the term typically refers to a familial relationship, it is sometimes used endearingly to refer to non-famil ...

bore the name "Boleslav".) Rulers of the Silesian line of the Piast dynasty were often known by the shortened version of the name, Bolko. In total, 45 kings and dukes from the House of Piast bore the name.

List of people with given name Boleslaw, Boleslav or Bolesław

Polish historical rulers from the House of Piast

Bolesław I of Poland Boleslav or Bolesław may refer to: In people: * Boleslaw (given name) In geography: * Bolesław, Dąbrowa County, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland * Bolesław, Olkusz County, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland * Bolesław, Silesian Voivodeship, ...

(ca. 966 – 1025), known as 'the Brave' or 'the Valiant', Duke of Poland from 992 to 1025 (ending in 1025 as King of Poland) * Bolesław II of Poland (1039–1081), known as 'the Bold', 'the Generous' or 'the Cruel', Duke of Poland 1058 to 1076 and King of Poland 1076 to 1079 *

Bolesław III Wrymouth Bolesław III Wrymouth ( pl, Bolesław III Krzywousty; 20 August 1086 – 28 October 1138), also known as Boleslaus the Wry-mouthed, was the duke of Lesser Poland, Silesia and Sandomierz between 1102 and 1107 and over the whole of Poland betwee ...

(1085–1138), Duke of Poland from 1102 to 1138 *

Bolesław IV the Curly Bolesław IV the Curly (; 1122 – 5 January 1173), a member of the Piast dynasty, was Duke of Masovia from 1138 and High Duke of Poland from 1146 until his death. Early life Bolesław was the third son of Duke Bolesław III Wrymouth of Poland ...

(1120–1173), High Duke of Poland from 1146 to 1173 *

Bolesław of Kuyavia Bolesław of Kuyavia (also known as Mieszkowic) ( pl, Bolesław kujawski (Mieszkowic)) (1159 – 13 September 1195) was a Duke of Kuyavia from 1186 until his death. He was the eldest child (but third-born son) of Mieszko III the Old, Duke of Grea ...

(1159–1195), Duke of

Kuyavia Kuyavia ( pl, Kujawy; german: Kujawien; la, Cuiavia), also referred to as Cuyavia, is a historical region in north-central Poland, situated on the left bank of Vistula, as well as east from Noteć River and Lake Gopło. It is divided into three ...

from c. 1186 to 1195 * Bolesław I of Cieszyn, Duke of Cieszyn *

Bolesław II of Cieszyn Boleslav or Bolesław may refer to: In people: * Boleslaw (given name) In geography: * Bolesław, Dąbrowa County, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland * Bolesław, Olkusz County, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland * Bolesław, Silesian Voivodeship, ...

, Duke of Cieszyn *

Bolesław II Rogatka Boleslav or Bolesław may refer to: In people: * Boleslaw (given name) In geography: * Bolesław, Dąbrowa County, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland * Bolesław, Olkusz County, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland * Bolesław, Silesian Voivodeship, ...

(1220/5–1278), Duke of Silesia, portions of Poland *

Bolesław V the Chaste Bolesław V the Chaste ( pl, Bolesław Wstydliwy; 21 June 1226 – 7 December 1279) was Duke of Sandomierz in Lesser Poland from 1232 and High Duke of Poland from 1243 until his death, as the last male representative of the Lesser Polish branc ...

(1226–1279), mid-13th century Duke of Kraków, who rebuilt the city after its destruction in 1241 * Bolesław the Pious (c. 1224 – 1279), Duke of Greater Poland 1239–1247 *

Bolesław I of Masovia Bolesław I of Masovia ( pl, Bolesław I Mazowiecki; 1208 – ca. 25 February 1248), was Polish prince member of the Polish House of Piast, Duke of Sandomierz (only a part) during 1229-1232, Duke of Dobrzyń during 1233-1247 and Duke over whole M ...

(1208–1248), Duke of Sandomierz, Sieradz (1233–1234), and

Masovia Mazovia or Masovia ( pl, Mazowsze) is a historical region in mid-north-eastern Poland. It spans the North European Plain, roughly between Łódź and Białystok, with Warsaw being the unofficial capital and largest city. Throughout the centuri ...

(1229–1248) *

Bolesław II of Masovia Bolesław II of Masovia or Bolesław II of Płock (pl: ''Bolesław II mazowiecki (płocki)''; ca. 1253/58 – 20 April 1313), was a Polish prince, member of the House of Piast, Duke of Masovia during 1262-1275 jointly with his brother, after 12 ...

Duke of Masovia Duke of Masovia ( pl, Książę Mazowsza) was a title born by the sons and descendants of the Polish Duke Bolesław III Wrymouth. In accordance with the last will and testament of Bolesław, upon his death his lands were divided into four to five ...

(c. 1250 – 1313) *

Bolesław the Elder Bolesław the Elder ( – ) was a Silesian duke. He was the duke of Wieluń during 1313–1326, duke of Niemodlin from 1313 and ruler of Prudnik from 1336 until his death. He was the eldest son of Duke Bolko I of Opole by his wife Agnes, pro ...

( 1293–1365), Duke of Wielun, Niemodlin, who often goes by the name Bolko * Bolesław Jerzy of Mazovia,

and Galicia-Volhynia (died 1340) *

Bolesław III of Płock Bolesław III of Płock (pl: ''Bolesław III płocki''; 1322/30 – 20 August 1351), was a Polish prince member of the House of Piast, Duke of Płock since 1336 (under regency until 1340), ruler over Wizna and Sochaczew since 1345, formally a v ...

, Duke of Płock (c. 1325 – 1351) *

Bolesław IV of Warsaw Boleslav or Bolesław may refer to: In people: * Boleslaw (given name) In geography: * Bolesław, Dąbrowa County, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland * Bolesław, Olkusz County, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland * Bolesław, Silesian Voivodeship, ...

Duke of Warsaw Poland was ruled at various times either by dukes and princes (10th to 14th centuries) or by kings (11th to 18th centuries). During the latter period, a tradition of free election of monarchs made it a uniquely electable position in Europe (16th ...

(1421–1454) *

Bolesław V of Warsaw Bolesław V of Warsaw (pl: ''Bolesław V warszawski''; ca. 1453 - 27 April 1488), was a Polish prince member of the House of Piast in the Masovian branch. He was a Duke of Czersk, Liw, Warsaw, Nur, Łomża, Ciechanów, Różan, Zakroczym and Wy ...

, Duke of Warsaw, Zakroczym, Nur, Płock, and Wizna (1454–1488)

Polish-Silesian rulers from House of Piast known as Bolkos

Bolko I the Strict Bolko (Bolesław) I the Strict also known as the Raw or of Jawor ( pl, Bolko I Surowy or ''Srogi'' or ''Jaworski''; german: Bolko I. von Schweidnitz; 1252/56 – 9 November 1301), was a Duke of Lwówek (Löwenberg) 1278–81 (with his brother as c ...

(1252/56–1301), Duke of Lwówek, Jawor, Świdnica, Ziębice/Münsterberg *

Bolko I of Opole Bolko I of Opole ( pl, Bolko I opolski; before 21 October 1258 – 14 May 1313), was a Duke of Opole from 1282 (until 1284 with his brother as co-ruler), Niemodlin and Strzelce Opolskie until his death. He was the third son of Władysław, Duke ...

(1258–1313), Duke of Opole, Niemodlin, Strzelce Opolskie *

Bolko II of Ziębice Bolko II of Ziębice ( pl, Bolko II Ziębicki; 1 February 1300 – 11 June 1341) was a Duke of Jawor- Lwówek-Świdnica- Ziębice in Poland from 1301 to 1312 (with his brothers as co-rulers), of Świdnica-Ziębice from 1312 to 1322 (with his b ...

(1300–1341), Duke of Ziębice/Münsterberg *

Bolko II of Opole Bolko II of Opole ( pl, Bolesław II opolski; before 1300 – 21 June 1356) was a Duke of Opole from 1313 (with his brother as co-ruler until 1323). He was the second son of Duke Bolko I of Opole by his wife Agnes, probably a daughter of Margrave ...

(1300–1356), Duke of Opole *

Bolko II the Small Bolko II the Small (c. 1312 – 28 July 1368), was the last independent Duke of the Piast dynasty in Silesia. He was Duke of Świdnica from 1326, Duke of Jawor and Lwówek from 1346, Duke of Lusatia from 1364, Duke over half of Brzeg and Oława ...

(1312–1368), Duke of Świdnica Jawor, Lwówek, Lusatia, Siewierz, who was the last independent Duke of the Piast dynasty in Silesia *

Bolko III of Strzelce Bolko III of Strzelce (also known as of Opole; pl, Bolko III Strzelecki (or Opolski); – 21 October 1382) was a Duke of Opole during 1356–1370 (with his brothers as co-rulers) and Duke of Strzelce from 1375 until his death. He was the second ...

( 1337–1382), Duke of Opole, Strzelce * Bolko III of Münsterberg ( 1348–1410), Duke of Ziębice/Münsterberg *

Bolko IV of Opole Bolko IV of Opole ( pl, Bolko IV opolski; 1363/67 – 6 May 1437), was a Duke of Strzelce and Niemodlin during 1382–1400 (with his brothers as co-rulers), Duke of Opole from 1396 (until 1400 with his brother as co-ruler, except Olesno). He was ...

(1363/67–1437), Duke of Strzelce, Niemodlin, Opole *

Bolko V the Hussite Bolko V the Hussite ( pl, Bolko V Husyta) (c. 1400 – 29 May 1460) was a Duke of Opole between 1422–1424 (as a co-ruler with his father), ruler over Głogówek and Prudnik since 1424, Duke of Strzelce and Niemodlin from 1450 and ruler over Ol ...

(ca. 1400–1460), Duke of Opole, Głogówek, Prudnik, Strzelce, Niemodlin, Olesno

Czech historical rulers

Boleslaus I of Bohemia Boleslaus I ( cs, Boleslav I. Ukrutný) (915 – 972), a member of the Přemyslid dynasty, was ruler ('' kníže'', "duke") of the Duchy of Bohemia from 935 to his death. He is notorious for the murder of his elder brother Wenceslaus, through ...

(died 967 or 972), known as 'the Cruel', ruling from 929 (or 935) to 972 (or 967) *

Boleslaus II of Bohemia Boleslaus II the Pious ( cs, Boleslav II. Pobožný pl, Bolesław II. Pobożny; c. 940 – 7 February 999), a member of the Přemyslid dynasty, was Duke of Bohemia from 972 until his death. Life and reign Boleslaus was an elder son of Duke B ...

(c. 920 – 999), known as 'the Pious', ruling from 972 to 999 *

Boleslaus III of Bohemia Boleslaus III ( – 1037), called the Red ( cs, Boleslav III. Ryšavý; to denote a "red-haired" individual) or the Blind, a member of the Přemyslid dynasty, was duke of Bohemia from 999 until 1002 and briefly again during the year 1003. He was ...

(died 1037), known as 'the Red' or 'the Blind', ruling from 999 to 1002

Other historical rulers

* Boleslaw, 12th-century Swedish king *

Burislav Burislav, Burisleif, Burysław (died 1008) is the name of a legendary Wendish king from Scandinavian sagas who is said to rule over Wendland. He is said to be father of Gunhild, Astrid and Geira. There are three possible hypotheses over his i ...

, mythical Wendish or Polish king

Other

Boleslaus, Bishop of Vác Boleslaus ( hu, Boleszló, sk, Boleslav; died 1212 or 1213) was a prelate in the Kingdom of Hungary at the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries. He was Bishop of Vác between 1193 and 1212. He supported Duke Andrew during the Duke's conflict with ...

, Hungarian prelate *

Bolesław Bierut Bolesław Bierut (; 18 April 1892 – 12 March 1956) was a Polish communist activist and politician, leader of the Polish People's Republic from 1947 until 1956. He was President of the State National Council from 1944 to 1947, President of Pola ...

, former President of Poland * Bolesław Bronisław Duch, Polish Major General and General Inspector of the Armed Forces * Boleslav Jablonský, Czech poet and catholic priest *

Bolesław Prus Aleksander Głowacki (20 August 1847 – 19 May 1912), better known by his pen name Bolesław Prus (), was a Polish novelist, a leading figure in the history of Polish literature and philosophy, as well as a distinctive voice in world li ...

, foremost figure in Polish literature of the late 19th century, and a distinctive voice in world literature * Boleslav Polívka, Czech actor *

Bill Sienkiewicz Boleslav William Felix Robert Sienkiewicz ( ; born May 3, 1958) is an American artist known for his work in comic books—particularly for Marvel Comics' ''New Mutants'', ''Moon Knight,'' and ''Elektra: Assassin''. Sienkiewicz's work in the 1980s ...

, award-winning American comics artist, whose full given name is ''Boleslav'' William Felix Robert Sienkiewicz *

Bolesław Wieniawa-Długoszowski Bolesław Ignacy Florian Wieniawa-Długoszowski (22 July 1881 – 1 July 1942) was a Polish general, adjutant to Chief of State Józef Piłsudski, politician, freemason, diplomat, poet, artist and formally for one day the President of the Rep ...

, Polish general, adjutant to Chief of State, politician, freemason, diplomat, poet, artist, and formally, for one day,

President of the Republic of Poland The president of Poland ( pl, Prezydent RP), officially the president of the Republic of Poland ( pl, Prezydent Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej), is the head of state of Poland. Their rights and obligations are determined in the Constitution of Polan ...

* Peter Boleslaw Schmeichel, former Danish goalkeeper

References

{{Reflist Slavic masculine given names Czech masculine given names Polish masculine given names