Voldemārs: a male name of Slavic origin meaning "This name derives from the Old Church Slavonic “Volodiměrŭ (Володимѣръ),” composed of two elements: “vladěti (владѣти) vladétʹ (владе́ть)” (to rule, to own, possess, be master of, be in possession of, govern, control, to master, manage) plus “*mir” (*mirъ) mir (мир)” (peace, calm, tranquility, universe, world)".It derives from the Slavic word "vladěti / vladétʹ *mir" / mir > Volodiměrŭ".
In Slavic tradition, Voldemārs holds special significance as a masculine name representing This name derives from the Old Church Slavonic “Volodiměrŭ (Володимѣръ),” composed of two elements: “vladěti (владѣти) vladétʹ (владе́ть)” (to rule, to own, possess, be master of, be in possession of, govern, control, to master, manage) plus “*mir” (*mirъ) mir (мир)” (peace, calm, tranquility, universe, world). This name has been cherished across generations, carrying with it the wisdom and heritage of Slavic culture. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal resonance.
Quick Facts About Voldemārs
Quick facts about Voldemārs
Origin
Slavic, Old Church Slavonic
Gender
Boy name
Popularity
Uncommon
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 Old Church Slavonic “Volodiměrŭ (Володимѣръ),” composed of two elements: “vladěti (владѣти) vladétʹ (владе́ть)” (to rule, to own, possess, be master of, be in possession of, govern, control, to master, manage) plus “*mir” (*mirъ) mir (мир)” (peace, calm, tranquility, universe, world). In turn, the name means “to rule with greatness, of great power, ruler of the world/peace/people.” This name is now widespread throughout all Slavic nations. It is also a common name in former Soviet non-Slavic countries where Christianity is practiced, such as Armenia. Volodymyr Sviatoslavich the Great (Old East Slavic: Володимѣръ Свѧтославичь) was a prince of Rus, grand prince of Kiev, and ruler of Kievan Rus’ from 980 to 1015. Max Vasmer explains the name as meaning “regal.” Folk etymology interprets the meaning as “person of the people” or “the one with peace on one side.”
Etymology & Details
Name Root
vladěti / vladétʹ *mir" / mir > Volodiměrŭ
How to Pronounce Voldemārs
Voldemārs is pronounced /ˈvɔl.də.mɑːrz/(English)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Vol-dem-ārs
Say it like: "VOL-DEM-ĀRS"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Voldemārs is predominantly used in latvian speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
latvian
Name Relationships
Voldemārs is a variant form of Vladimir, developed through regional pronunciation differences and linguistic evolution. This variation preserves the essential meaning while offering a unique sound.
Voldemārs means "This name derives from the Old Church Slavonic “Volodiměrŭ (Володимѣръ),” composed of two elements: “vladěti (владѣти) vladétʹ (владе́ть)” (to rule, to own, possess, be master of, be in possession of, govern, control, to master, manage) plus “*mir” (*mirъ) mir (мир)” (peace, calm, tranquility, universe, world). In turn, the name means “to rule with greatness, of great power, ruler of the world/peace/people.” This name is now widespread throughout all Slavic nations. It is also a common name in former Soviet non-Slavic countries where Christianity is practiced, such as Armenia. Volodymyr Sviatoslavich the Great (Old East Slavic: Володимѣръ Свѧтославичь) was a prince of Rus, grand prince of Kiev, and ruler of Kievan Rus’ from 980 to 1015. Max Vasmer explains the name as meaning “regal.” Folk etymology interprets the meaning as “person of the people” or “the one with peace on one side.”". The name comes from vladěti / vladétʹ *mir" / mir > Volodiměrŭ. In its original form, the name derives from vladěti (владѣти) vladétʹ (владе́ть) *mir" (*mirъ) mir (мир) Volodiměrŭ (Володимѣръ). This slavic name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Voldemārs for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Old Church Slavonic “Volodiměrŭ (Володимѣръ),” composed of two elements: “vladěti (владѣти) vladétʹ (владе́ть)” (to rule, to own, possess, be master of, be in possession of, govern, control, to master, manage) plus “*mir” (*mirъ) mir (мир)” (peace, calm, tranquility, universe, world). In turn, the name means “to rule with greatness, of great power, ruler of the world/peace/people.” This name is now widespread throughout all Slavic nations. It is also a common name in former Soviet non-Slavic countries where Christianity is practiced, such as Armenia. Volodymyr Sviatoslavich the Great (Old East Slavic: Володимѣръ Свѧтославичь) was a prince of Rus, grand prince of Kiev, and ruler of Kievan Rus’ from 980 to 1015. Max Vasmer explains the name as meaning “regal.” Folk etymology interprets the meaning as “person of the people” or “the one with peace on one side.”" as a quality they hope to see in their child. Voldemārs offers a distinctive option for parents who want a name with clear meaning that stands apart from more common choices.
What is the origin of the name Voldemārs?
Voldemārs has slavic and old church slavonic origins. The name traces back to vladěti / vladétʹ *mir" / mir > Volodiměrŭ. The original form vladěti (владѣти) vladétʹ (владе́ть) *mir" (*mirъ) mir (мир) Volodiměrŭ (Володимѣръ) shows the name's roots in its native language. The name remains closely tied to latvian naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The slavic meaning "This name derives from the Old Church Slavonic “Volodiměrŭ (Володимѣръ),” composed of two elements: “vladěti (владѣти) vladétʹ (владе́ть)” (to rule, to own, possess, be master of, be in possession of, govern, control, to master, manage) plus “*mir” (*mirъ) mir (мир)” (peace, calm, tranquility, universe, world). In turn, the name means “to rule with greatness, of great power, ruler of the world/peace/people.” This name is now widespread throughout all Slavic nations. It is also a common name in former Soviet non-Slavic countries where Christianity is practiced, such as Armenia. Volodymyr Sviatoslavich the Great (Old East Slavic: Володимѣръ Свѧтославичь) was a prince of Rus, grand prince of Kiev, and ruler of Kievan Rus’ from 980 to 1015. Max Vasmer explains the name as meaning “regal.” Folk etymology interprets the meaning as “person of the people” or “the one with peace on one side.”" reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared. Voldemārs developed as a form of Vladimir, adapting over time while keeping its connection to the original name.
Is Voldemārs a boy or girl name?
Voldemārs 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 slavic tradition, Voldemārs has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Old Church Slavonic “Volodiměrŭ (Володимѣръ),” composed of two elements: “vladěti (владѣти) vladétʹ (владе́ть)” (to rule, to own, possess, be master of, be in possession of, govern, control, to master, manage) plus “*mir” (*mirъ) mir (мир)” (peace, calm, tranquility, universe, world). In turn, the name means “to rule with greatness, of great power, ruler of the world/peace/people.” This name is now widespread throughout all Slavic nations. It is also a common name in former Soviet non-Slavic countries where Christianity is practiced, such as Armenia. Volodymyr Sviatoslavich the Great (Old East Slavic: Володимѣръ Свѧтославичь) was a prince of Rus, grand prince of Kiev, and ruler of Kievan Rus’ from 980 to 1015. Max Vasmer explains the name as meaning “regal.” Folk etymology interprets the meaning as “person of the people” or “the one with peace on one side.”" carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Voldemārs?
Voldemārs is pronounced "/ˈvɔl.də.mɑːrz/". This pronunciation follows en language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Voldemārs is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with slavic names, listening to a native speaker say Voldemārs can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root vladěti / vladétʹ *mir" / mir > Volodiměrŭ influences how Voldemārs sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Voldemārs?
Voldemārs is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Voldemārs gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Voldemārs's popularity may vary between slavic communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Old Church Slavonic “Volodiměrŭ (Володимѣръ),” composed of two elements: “vladěti (владѣти) vladétʹ (владе́ть)” (to rule, to own, possess, be master of, be in possession of, govern, control, to master, manage) plus “*mir” (*mirъ) mir (мир)” (peace, calm, tranquility, universe, world). In turn, the name means “to rule with greatness, of great power, ruler of the world/peace/people.” This name is now widespread throughout all Slavic nations. It is also a common name in former Soviet non-Slavic countries where Christianity is practiced, such as Armenia. Volodymyr Sviatoslavich the Great (Old East Slavic: Володимѣръ Свѧтославичь) was a prince of Rus, grand prince of Kiev, and ruler of Kievan Rus’ from 980 to 1015. Max Vasmer explains the name as meaning “regal.” Folk etymology interprets the meaning as “person of the people” or “the one with peace on one side.”" likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Voldemārs holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
What are variations of the name Voldemārs?
Voldemārs is a form of Vladimir. Over time, Vladimir developed into several variations, with Voldemārs emerging as a distinct form used in certain regions or languages. In slavic tradition, these variations allow the core name to work across different contexts while maintaining its character. All variations preserve the meaning "This name derives from the Old Church Slavonic “Volodiměrŭ (Володимѣръ),” composed of two elements: “vladěti (владѣти) vladétʹ (владе́ть)” (to rule, to own, possess, be master of, be in possession of, govern, control, to master, manage) plus “*mir” (*mirъ) mir (мир)” (peace, calm, tranquility, universe, world). In turn, the name means “to rule with greatness, of great power, ruler of the world/peace/people.” This name is now widespread throughout all Slavic nations. It is also a common name in former Soviet non-Slavic countries where Christianity is practiced, such as Armenia. Volodymyr Sviatoslavich the Great (Old East Slavic: Володимѣръ Свѧтославичь) was a prince of Rus, grand prince of Kiev, and ruler of Kievan Rus’ from 980 to 1015. Max Vasmer explains the name as meaning “regal.” Folk etymology interprets the meaning as “person of the people” or “the one with peace on one side.”", so choosing between them comes down to sound preference and cultural fit rather than different meanings. Parents drawn to Voldemārs might also consider these related forms, especially if they want options for siblings or prefer a more traditional or modern feel. In latvian, Voldemārs may be more or less common than its variations, depending on local naming customs.
Where is the name Voldemārs commonly used?
Voldemārs is used primarily in latvian naming traditions. Though slavic in origin, Voldemārs found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Old Church Slavonic “Volodiměrŭ (Володимѣръ),” composed of two elements: “vladěti (владѣти) vladétʹ (владе́ть)” (to rule, to own, possess, be master of, be in possession of, govern, control, to master, manage) plus “*mir” (*mirъ) mir (мир)” (peace, calm, tranquility, universe, world). In turn, the name means “to rule with greatness, of great power, ruler of the world/peace/people.” This name is now widespread throughout all Slavic nations. It is also a common name in former Soviet non-Slavic countries where Christianity is practiced, such as Armenia. Volodymyr Sviatoslavich the Great (Old East Slavic: Володимѣръ Свѧтославичь) was a prince of Rus, grand prince of Kiev, and ruler of Kievan Rus’ from 980 to 1015. Max Vasmer explains the name as meaning “regal.” Folk etymology interprets the meaning as “person of the people” or “the one with peace on one side.”" carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Voldemārs into their naming traditions. A child named Voldemārs will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Voldemārs is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.