What does Vasily mean and where does it come from?
Василий (Vasiliy) is a common male name in Russia derived from the Greek name Βασίλειος (Basileios). It has been borne by several saints and notable historical figures in Russia, including Tsar Vasily III. The name signifies nobility and is traditionally associated with leadership.
Cultural significance
Vasily has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Russia-speaking communities, where it reflects values of royal, kingly.
Peak popularity
Reached #6137 in 2018 — currently #14036 in the US.
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Related Reading
Russia-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Vasily?
Vasily works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Vasily Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Vasily Rose
Floral · soft ending
Vasily Mae
Sweet · timeless
Vasily Claire
French influence · crisp
Vasily Jane
Literary · strong
Vasily Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Vasily right now?
Falling — down 106 spots — currently #14036 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #14036 | 5 | ▼ down 106 |
| 2021 | #13930 | 5 | ▼ down 1509 |
| 2020 | #12421 | 5 | ▼ down 1378 · -17% births |
| 2015 | #11043 | 6 | — |
The story of Vasily
Vasily is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1978. With 103 total births recorded, Vasily remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #11043 in 2015, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #14036 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Vasily in 2018:
Vasily by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 5 | |
| 1990s | 10 | |
| 2000s | 22 | |
| 2010s ★ | 61 | |
| 2020s | 5 | |
💎Vasily has only 103 total recorded births since 1978 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Vasily?
What names sound and feel like Vasily?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Vasily also consider these
How is Vasily written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Vasily?
Common questions about the name Vasily
What does the name Vasily mean?
Vasily means "royal, kingly" — a name rooted in Russia tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Vasily?
Vasily is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Vasily?
Vasily originates from Russia tradition. Russia names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Vasily?
Vasily is a three-syllable name pronounced V AE1 S AH0 L IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Vasily?
Vasily pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Russia heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.