Volodymyr: 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".
Volodymyr is a masculine name that 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)". Its Slavic origins reflect deep cultural values and traditions that have been passed down through generations. Parents choosing this name often appreciate its profound significance and timeless appeal.
Quick Facts About Volodymyr
Quick facts about Volodymyr
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
Other Scripts
Ukrainian (Володимир)
How to Pronounce Volodymyr
Volodymyr is pronounced /voʊ.ləˈdɪ.mɪr/
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Vol-odymyr
Say it like: "VOL-ODYMYR"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
Usage & Popularity
Volodymyr is predominantly used in ukrainian speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
ukrainian
Frequently Asked Questions About Volodymyr
What does the name Volodymyr mean?
Volodymyr 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 Volodymyr 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. Volodymyr 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 Volodymyr?
Volodymyr 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. In its native script, Volodymyr is written as Ukrainian (Володимир). The name remains closely tied to ukrainian 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.
Is Volodymyr a boy or girl name?
Volodymyr 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, Volodymyr 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 Volodymyr?
Volodymyr is pronounced "/voʊ.ləˈdɪ.mɪr/". This pronunciation follows cu language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Ukrainian (Володимир), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Volodymyr is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with slavic names, listening to a native speaker say Volodymyr can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root vladěti / vladétʹ *mir" / mir > Volodiměrŭ influences how Volodymyr sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Volodymyr?
Volodymyr is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Volodymyr gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Volodymyr'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, Volodymyr holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Volodymyr commonly used?
Volodymyr is used primarily in ukrainian naming traditions. Though slavic in origin, Volodymyr 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 Volodymyr into their naming traditions. A child named Volodymyr 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, Volodymyr 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.