Vasilis Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: vah-SEE-lees /vɑˈsilis/
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Royal; kingly
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Vasilis is of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word "vasileus," which means "king" or "ruler." This term can be traced back to the ancient Greek language, where it was used to denote a sovereign or leader. The evolution of the name can be observed through its presence in various forms across different languages and cultures, including the Latin "basileus" and the Byzantine Greek usage that persisted throughout the Middle Ages.
The name Vasilis entered the English lexicon primarily through the influence of Greek culture and the migration of Greek speakers, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries, when many Greeks settled in English-speaking countries. Historically, the name Vasilis has been associated with several notable figures, including saints and Byzantine emperors.
One significant figure is Saint Basil the Great, a 4th-century bishop whose contributions to Christian theology and monasticism were profound. His feast day is celebrated on January 1st in the Eastern Orthodox Church, and he is recognized as one of the Cappadocian Fathers.
The legacy of Saint Basil helped to cement the name's significance in Christian tradition, particularly within Greek Orthodox communities. Culturally, the name Vasilis carries connotations of nobility and leadership, reflecting its etymological roots.
It is often associated with virtues such as strength and wisdom, qualities that are traditionally admired in leaders. The name is sometimes shortened to the diminutive "Vasilis" or "Vasil," which retains the regal connotation while offering a more familiar form.
The enduring nature of the name Vasilis in Greek culture underscores its historical importance and the reverence for leadership and authority it embodies.
Famous people named Vasilis
In this section, you will find notable people named Vasilis. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Vasilis who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Vasilis who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Vasilis Koutoupis is a musician best known for his work with the band Vasilis Koutoupis and the Vasilis Project.
Vasilis Tsitsanis is a composer and musician best known for his contributions to Greek music and the rebetiko genre.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Vasilis, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Vasilis. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Vasilis was first seen in the United States in 1978.
Vasilis has ranked as high as #1272 nationally, which occurred in 2000, and has been most popular in New York.
In the past 5 years the name Vasilis has been trending about the same compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Vasilis is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Vasilis was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Vasilis (2000)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| NY | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Vasilis.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2008 | 8 |
| 2007 | 10 |
| 2006 | 9 |
| 2005 | 6 |
| 2004 | 7 |
| 2003 | 5 |
| 2002 | 6 |
| 2001 | 7 |
| 2000 | 11 |
| 1999 | 9 |
| 1997 | 5 |
| 1993 | 7 |
| 1992 | 5 |
| 1990 | 8 |
| 1988 | 6 |
| 1987 | 6 |
| 1986 | 8 |
| 1985 | 6 |
| 1984 | 7 |
| 1983 | 7 |
| 1982 | 5 |
| 1981 | 8 |
| 1980 | 5 |
| 1978 | 5 |