Vlad

“Ruler” — Associated with several Eastern European countries like Russia

Russia origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#7266US 2023

12Births / yr

↓Falling

463All-time births

📅 Since 199500

How to pronounce Vlad

VLAD

/ˈvlæd/ · stress on VLAD · 1 syllable

“Ruler”

Associated with several Eastern European countries like Russia · Russia origin

What does Vlad mean and where does it come from?

Vlad is a name of Slavic origin commonly associated with several Eastern European countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Romania. The name's history is notable due to its association with Vlad III, also known as Vlad the Impaler, who inspired the Dracula legend. The name is often popular in various Sla

Cultural significance

Vlad has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Russia-speaking communities, where it reflects values of ruler.

Peak popularity

Reached #3619 in 2004 — currently #7266 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Vlad?

Vlad works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Vlad Grace

How popular is Vlad right now?

Falling — down 1422 spots — currently #7266 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1995–2023#7266 · Top 5.4%

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#7266	12	▼ down 1422 · -25% births
2022	#5844	16	▼ down 1358 · -30% births
2021	#4486	23	▲ up 1072 · +44% births
2020	#5558	16	▼ down 568 · -16% births
2015	#4990	19	▼ down 787 · -21% births
2010	#4203	24	▼ down 20 · +9% births
2005	#4183	22	▲ up 1090 · +57% births
2000	#5273	14	▲ up 2515 · +100% births
1995	#7788	7	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Vlad

Best Year2005Rank #4183

Peak Count24

Average Rank#5510

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1995 - 20239 years

The story of Vlad

Vlad is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1995. With 463 total births recorded, Vlad remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7788 in 1995 to #7266 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Vlad in 2004:

Jacob Michael Joshua Matthew Ethan

Vlad by decade

Vlad peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →

Decade	Births
1990s	36
2000s	199
2010s ★	212
2020s	16

💎Vlad has only 463 total recorded births since 1995 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Vlad?

Common

VladieVlady

What names sound and feel like Vlad?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Vlad also consider these

Lad

English · young man or

Elad

Israel · God is Eternal

American · greatly praised

Brad

English · English

Thad

American · Courageous heart

How is Vlad written in other languages?

Влад

Russian

What are the girl versions of Vlad?

Ladislava CZECH Vladislava CZECH Władysława POLISH Vladislava RUSSIAN Ladislava SLOVAK

Common questions about the name Vlad

What does the name Vlad mean?

Vlad means "Ruler" — 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 Vlad?

Vlad 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 Vlad?

Vlad 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 Vlad?

Vlad is a one-syllable name pronounced V L AE1 D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Vlad sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Vlad flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Vlad ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.