- Origin: Lithuanian
- Meaning: “strong rider.”
- Jogaila (masc); Jogailė (fem).
- Pron: yoh-GUY-lah; yoh-GUY-ley)
The name is composed of the ancient Lithuanian elements joti, jotis (rider) and gailas (strong, fierce), the latter element may also mean “remorse; anger; pity; sharp” or “jagged.”
The name was most notably borne by the Polish King, Wladyslaw II Jogiello (1362-1434). Borne as Jogaila, he assumed the Christian Polish name of Wladyslaw II Jagiello after marrying Jadwiga of Poland. He was considered to be the last Pagan ruler of Lithuania, he converted to Catholicism after marrying Jadwiga. Unfortunately his wife died at the age of 29, in child birth, and he ended up assuming the throne of the Polish-Lithuanian commonwealth. His reign lasted 48 years and by all accounts, he was considered a pretty good king. His first name turned surname became a common one among Polish nobility. His wife, Jadwiga, was the foundress of Jagiellonie University in Poland, (Jagiellonie named for their surname).
In Lithuania, Jogaila is used as a first name. Another form is Jogėlas (yah-GAY-lahs), Jogilis. Its feminine counterparts are Jogailė and Jogilė (yah-GUY-lay) (jah-GIH-lay).
It’s designated name day is August 7.
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