Witold is a distinctively Polish masculine given name with a rich history and significant meaning. Derived from the Old Slavic words "vita" meaning life and "volod" meaning ruling, Witold translates to "ruler of life". This name was popular among the medieval rulers of Poland and Lithuania, contributing to its enduring appeal in Eastern Europe.
The earliest known bearer of the name Witold was Witold I (also known as Witold the Great), who ruled over the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the 14th century. He is celebrated for his military victories against the Teutonic Knights, a series of battles that eventually led to the dissolution of their order's power in the region.
Throughout history, other notable figures have carried the name Witold. Witold Gombrowicz (1904-1969), a renowned Polish novelist and playwright, is considered one of Poland's most significant literary figures of the 20th century. His works, which often explored themes of identity and alienation, include "Ferdydurke" and "Witch Hunt".
In addition to its historical significance, Witold has also been popular in Polish literature and art. It is a name that reflects Poland's proud cultural heritage and history.
Today, Witold continues to be a beloved name among Poles, often given to commemorate the country's rich past or as a tribute to notable individuals who have shared this name throughout history. Despite its strong ties to Poland, Witold has also gained recognition in other Slavic countries such as Russia and Ukraine, further cementing its place among distinctive Slavic names.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Witold experienced a fluctuating level of popularity among parents naming their children in the United States between 1916 and 1924. The highest point of popularity occurred in 1917 and 1922 with 8 births each year. Interestingly, there was also a peak in 1917. Conversely, the lowest points were seen in 1920 and 1921 with only 6 and 5 births respectively. Overall, over these nine years, there were a total of 45 babies named Witold born in the United States.