Vasili

The name Vasili is a Russian variant of Wassili and a derivative of the Latin name Basilius. The latter has its roots in the Greek names Basileus (Βασιλευς) and Basileios (Βασιλειος).

What does the name Vasili mean?

Vasili, as the Russian form of Wassili and Basilius, can be traced back to the Greek terms Basileus (Βασιλευς) and Basileios (Βασιλειος). Its literal meaning encompasses 'the Royal' as well as 'the King'. The origins of the name are found in Ancient Greek, where the word basileús (βᾰσῐλεύς) means 'the King', 'the Chief', 'the Master', 'the Lord', and 'the Patron', while basíleios (βασίλειος) means 'royal'. The popularity of the name is closely linked to the veneration of Saint Basil, the Archbishop of Caesarea. Other common forms include Vasilij and Wasilij, while variants such as Basil, Basile, Basilic, Basilides, Basilus, Basiel, Bazil, Bazyli, and Basileo also exist. Related forms include Vasilios, Vasileios, Vasile, Vasilii, Vasilakis, Vasilije, Vasilis, Vasilus, Vasilius, Vasileos, Vasil, Vasilijus, Vasilis, Vasily, Vasja, Vasya, Vassily, Vassileios, Vassilios, and Vassili. The forms Wassil and Wasilios can also be found. Female counterparts include Basilea, Basilia, Basilissa, Basilisa, and Vasilia.

Where does the name Vasili come from?

The name Vasili has its roots in Ancient Greek and means 'the Royal'. The components basileús and basíleios stand for 'the King' and 'royal'. The language in which this name is prevalent is Russian.

How do you pronounce Vasili?

The pronunciation of Vasili is three syllables and even. It is pronounced as 'Va-si-li' [vaˈziːli] or [vaˈsiːli], with the middle syllable emphasized with a long I. The repeated I sounds give the name a certain brightness, while the open A at the beginning conveys warmth. Overall, Vasili radiates a rich tradition, flowing, and clearly structured sound that feels lively and open.

When is the name day of Vasili?

The name day of Vasili is celebrated on January 2.

Popularity

In Germany, Vasili is a rare name. Currently, it ranks 5,840th on the list of the most common male first names. Its best placement was in 2013 at rank 2,482. In the last ten years, the name has been given about 40 times as a first name, placing it at 3,995th in the ten-year statistics. Between 2010 and 2024, it ranks 4,338th.

Nicknames & pet names

Vase / Vasi / Vasilaki / Vasja / Vaska

Famous people

• St. Basil (Archbishop of Caesarea)
• Vasili Baranov (football player from Belarus)
• Vasili Batrakov (Russian footballer)
• Vasili Berezun (Russian football player)
• Vasili Berezutski (Russian football player)
• Vasili Fiyev (football player from Russia)
• Vasili Igumnov (football player from Russia)
• Vasili Ivanov (Russian footballer)
• Vasili Karmazinenko (Russian football player)
• Vasili Kiryienka (cyclist from Belarus)
• Vasili Kulkov (Russian footballer)
• Vasili Lukichev (Russian football player)
• Vasili Pavlov (football player from Russia)
• Vasili Penyasov (football player from Portugal)
• Vasili Pervukhin (ice hockey player from Russia)
• Vasili Potekhin (football player from Russia)
• Vasili Pyanchenko (Russian football player)
• Vasili Ryazanov (Russian footballer)
• Vasili Saizev (Russian sniper in Stalingrad during World War II. Became very well-known through Russian propaganda. Film: 'Enemy at the Gates' with Jude Law.)
• Vasili Stan (Russian footballer)