Vasilii

Boy Name
Origin:greek
Pronunciation:/vəˈsiː.li.i/

Vasilii: a male name of Greek origin meaning "This name derives from the Mycenaean Greek and Ancient Greek “(qa-si-re-u > gwasileus) > basileús ‎(βᾰσῐλεύς) basíleios (βασίλειος),” meaning “chief, master, king, lord, patron, kingly, royal". It derives from the Greek word "(QA-SI-RE-U > GWASILEUS) > Basíleios > basileús".

Parents seeking a meaningful masculine name often discover Vasilii, drawn to its Greek heritage and beautiful significance: "This name derives from the Mycenaean Greek and Ancient Greek “(qa-si-re-u > gwasileus) > basileús ‎(βᾰσῐλεύς) basíleios (βασίλειος),” meaning “chief, master, king, lord, patron, kingly, royal". This name offers a perfect blend of cultural depth and personal meaning, making it a timeless choice for families around the world.

Quick Facts About Vasilii

Quick facts about Vasilii
OriginGreek, Mycenaean Greek
GenderBoy name
PopularityModerately popular

Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team

Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Meaning

This name derives from the Mycenaean Greek and Ancient Greek “(qa-si-re-u > gwasileus) > basileús ‎(βᾰσῐλεύς) basíleios (βασίλειος),” meaning “chief, master, king, lord, patron, kingly, royal.” Basiléus is a Greek term and title that has signified various types of monarchs in history. It is perhaps best known in English as a title used by the Byzantine emperors, but it also has a more extended history of use for people in authority and sovereigns in ancient Greece, as well as for the kings of modern Greece. Basil II was a Byzantine Emperor from the Macedonian dynasty who reigned from 10 January 976 to 15 December 1025. He was known in his time as Basil the Porphyrogenitus and Basil the Young to distinguish him from his supposed ancestor, Basil I the Macedonian. Saint Basil the Great was the Greek bishop of Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia, Asia Minor. He was an influential theologian who supported the Nicene Creed and opposed the early Christian church’s heresies, fighting against both Arianism and the followers of Apollinaris of Laodicea.

Etymology & Details

Name Root

(QA-SI-RE-U > GWASILEUS) > Basíleios > basileús

Other Scripts

Russian (Василии)

How to Pronounce Vasilii

Vasilii is pronounced /vəˈsiː.li.i/(Russian)

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Vas-il-ii
  2. Say it like: "VAS-IL-II"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Frequently Asked Questions About Vasilii
What does the name Vasilii mean?
Vasilii means "This name derives from the Mycenaean Greek and Ancient Greek “(qa-si-re-u > gwasileus) > basileús ‎(βᾰσῐλεύς) basíleios (βασίλειος),” meaning “chief, master, king, lord, patron, kingly, royal.” Basiléus is a Greek term and title that has signified various types of monarchs in history. It is perhaps best known in English as a title used by the Byzantine emperors, but it also has a more extended history of use for people in authority and sovereigns in ancient Greece, as well as for the kings of modern Greece. Basil II was a Byzantine Emperor from the Macedonian dynasty who reigned from 10 January 976 to 15 December 1025. He was known in his time as Basil the Porphyrogenitus and Basil the Young to distinguish him from his supposed ancestor, Basil I the Macedonian. Saint Basil the Great was the Greek bishop of Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia, Asia Minor. He was an influential theologian who supported the Nicene Creed and opposed the early Christian church’s heresies, fighting against both Arianism and the followers of Apollinaris of Laodicea.". The name comes from (QA-SI-RE-U > GWASILEUS) > Basíleios > basileús. In its original form, the name derives from basileús ‎(βᾰσῐλεύς) Basíleios (Βασίλειος). This greek name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Vasilii for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Mycenaean Greek and Ancient Greek “(qa-si-re-u > gwasileus) > basileús ‎(βᾰσῐλεύς) basíleios (βασίλειος),” meaning “chief, master, king, lord, patron, kingly, royal.” Basiléus is a Greek term and title that has signified various types of monarchs in history. It is perhaps best known in English as a title used by the Byzantine emperors, but it also has a more extended history of use for people in authority and sovereigns in ancient Greece, as well as for the kings of modern Greece. Basil II was a Byzantine Emperor from the Macedonian dynasty who reigned from 10 January 976 to 15 December 1025. He was known in his time as Basil the Porphyrogenitus and Basil the Young to distinguish him from his supposed ancestor, Basil I the Macedonian. Saint Basil the Great was the Greek bishop of Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia, Asia Minor. He was an influential theologian who supported the Nicene Creed and opposed the early Christian church’s heresies, fighting against both Arianism and the followers of Apollinaris of Laodicea." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Vasilii's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like RELIGION (BISHOPS), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Vasilii?
Vasilii has greek and mycenaean greek origins. The name traces back to (QA-SI-RE-U > GWASILEUS) > Basíleios > basileús. The original form basileús ‎(βᾰσῐλεύς) Basíleios (Βασίλειος) shows the name's roots in its native language. In its native script, Vasilii is written as Russian (Василии). The greek meaning "This name derives from the Mycenaean Greek and Ancient Greek “(qa-si-re-u > gwasileus) > basileús ‎(βᾰσῐλεύς) basíleios (βασίλειος),” meaning “chief, master, king, lord, patron, kingly, royal.” Basiléus is a Greek term and title that has signified various types of monarchs in history. It is perhaps best known in English as a title used by the Byzantine emperors, but it also has a more extended history of use for people in authority and sovereigns in ancient Greece, as well as for the kings of modern Greece. Basil II was a Byzantine Emperor from the Macedonian dynasty who reigned from 10 January 976 to 15 December 1025. He was known in his time as Basil the Porphyrogenitus and Basil the Young to distinguish him from his supposed ancestor, Basil I the Macedonian. Saint Basil the Great was the Greek bishop of Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia, Asia Minor. He was an influential theologian who supported the Nicene Creed and opposed the early Christian church’s heresies, fighting against both Arianism and the followers of Apollinaris of Laodicea." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Vasilii a boy or girl name?
Vasilii is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In greek tradition, Vasilii has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Mycenaean Greek and Ancient Greek “(qa-si-re-u > gwasileus) > basileús ‎(βᾰσῐλεύς) basíleios (βασίλειος),” meaning “chief, master, king, lord, patron, kingly, royal.” Basiléus is a Greek term and title that has signified various types of monarchs in history. It is perhaps best known in English as a title used by the Byzantine emperors, but it also has a more extended history of use for people in authority and sovereigns in ancient Greece, as well as for the kings of modern Greece. Basil II was a Byzantine Emperor from the Macedonian dynasty who reigned from 10 January 976 to 15 December 1025. He was known in his time as Basil the Porphyrogenitus and Basil the Young to distinguish him from his supposed ancestor, Basil I the Macedonian. Saint Basil the Great was the Greek bishop of Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia, Asia Minor. He was an influential theologian who supported the Nicene Creed and opposed the early Christian church’s heresies, fighting against both Arianism and the followers of Apollinaris of Laodicea." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Vasilii?
Vasilii is pronounced "/vəˈsiː.li.i/". This pronunciation follows ru language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Russian (Василии), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Vasilii is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with greek names, listening to a native speaker say Vasilii can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root (QA-SI-RE-U > GWASILEUS) > Basíleios > basileús influences how Vasilii sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Vasilii?
Vasilii is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Vasilii offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Vasilii's popularity may vary between greek communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Mycenaean Greek and Ancient Greek “(qa-si-re-u > gwasileus) > basileús ‎(βᾰσῐλεύς) basíleios (βασίλειος),” meaning “chief, master, king, lord, patron, kingly, royal.” Basiléus is a Greek term and title that has signified various types of monarchs in history. It is perhaps best known in English as a title used by the Byzantine emperors, but it also has a more extended history of use for people in authority and sovereigns in ancient Greece, as well as for the kings of modern Greece. Basil II was a Byzantine Emperor from the Macedonian dynasty who reigned from 10 January 976 to 15 December 1025. He was known in his time as Basil the Porphyrogenitus and Basil the Young to distinguish him from his supposed ancestor, Basil I the Macedonian. Saint Basil the Great was the Greek bishop of Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia, Asia Minor. He was an influential theologian who supported the Nicene Creed and opposed the early Christian church’s heresies, fighting against both Arianism and the followers of Apollinaris of Laodicea." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Vasilii holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
What is the cultural significance of Vasilii?
Vasilii carries associations with RELIGION (BISHOPS). These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Mycenaean Greek and Ancient Greek “(qa-si-re-u > gwasileus) > basileús ‎(βᾰσῐλεύς) basíleios (βασίλειος),” meaning “chief, master, king, lord, patron, kingly, royal.” Basiléus is a Greek term and title that has signified various types of monarchs in history. It is perhaps best known in English as a title used by the Byzantine emperors, but it also has a more extended history of use for people in authority and sovereigns in ancient Greece, as well as for the kings of modern Greece. Basil II was a Byzantine Emperor from the Macedonian dynasty who reigned from 10 January 976 to 15 December 1025. He was known in his time as Basil the Porphyrogenitus and Basil the Young to distinguish him from his supposed ancestor, Basil I the Macedonian. Saint Basil the Great was the Greek bishop of Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia, Asia Minor. He was an influential theologian who supported the Nicene Creed and opposed the early Christian church’s heresies, fighting against both Arianism and the followers of Apollinaris of Laodicea." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In greek culture, where Vasilii originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Vasilii sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Vasilii often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

Similar Names

Explore More Names