Václav is a common Czech name, often associated with historical figures, particularly Saint Wenceslas, the patron saint of the Czech Republic. He was a duke in the 10th century, known for his efforts to promote Christianity and unite the Czech lands. His legacy is celebrated annually on September 28th, a national holiday in the Czech Republic. In modern times, the name Václav is popular in Czech culture and has been borne by notable individuals, including Václav Havel, the last president of Czechoslovakia and the first president of the Czech Republic. Havel was a key figure in the peaceful transition from communism to democracy in the early 1990s.