Waldemar

Boy Name
Origin:slavic
Pronunciation:/ˈvɑːl.də.mɑːr/

Waldemar: 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".

Waldemar 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 Waldemar

Quick facts about Waldemar
OriginSlavic, Old Church Slavonic
GenderBoy name
PopularityUncommon

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 Waldemar

Waldemar is pronounced /ˈvɑːl.də.mɑːr/

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Waldem-ar
  2. Say it like: "WALDEM-AR"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Usage & Popularity

Waldemar enjoys international appeal, used in 7 different linguistic and cultural contexts including norwegian, portuguese, swedish, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.

norwegianportugueseswedishdanishfinnishpolishgerman
Name Relationships

Waldemar 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Waldemar
What does the name Waldemar mean?
Waldemar 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 Waldemar 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. Waldemar 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 Waldemar?
Waldemar 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. From its slavic roots, Waldemar spread to become common in norwegian, portuguese, swedish, danish and 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. Waldemar developed as a form of Vladimir, adapting over time while keeping its connection to the original name.
Is Waldemar a boy or girl name?
Waldemar 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, Waldemar 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 Waldemar?
Waldemar is pronounced "/ˈvɑːl.də.mɑːr/". This pronunciation follows sl language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Waldemar is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in norwegian, portuguese, swedish, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with slavic names, listening to a native speaker say Waldemar can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root vladěti / vladétʹ *mir" / mir ‎> Volodiměrŭ influences how Waldemar sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Waldemar?
Waldemar is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Waldemar gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Waldemar'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, Waldemar holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
What are variations of the name Waldemar?
Waldemar is a form of Vladimir. Over time, Vladimir developed into several variations, with Waldemar 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 Waldemar might also consider these related forms, especially if they want options for siblings or prefer a more traditional or modern feel. In norwegian and portuguese, Waldemar may be more or less common than its variations, depending on local naming customs.
Where is the name Waldemar commonly used?
Waldemar spans multiple cultures, including norwegian, portuguese, swedish, and 4 other traditions. Though slavic in origin, Waldemar found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Waldemar, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. 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 Waldemar into their naming traditions. A child named Waldemar 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, Waldemar 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.

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