Is Vladimir a boy, girl, or unisex name?

Vladimir is commonly used as a Boy name.

How popular is Vladimir?

It's currently ranked #843 in the U.S. Recent trend: Falling.

How do you pronounce Vladimir?

VLAH-dee-meer · IPA: /ˈvlædɪmɪr/

Vladimir Boy

Popularity: #843 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: VLAH-dee-meer /ˈvlædɪmɪr/

Origin: Slavic; Russian

Meaning: Slavic: 'to rule' or 'ruler'; Russian: 'peaceful ruler'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Vladimir has its roots in the Slavic languages, deriving from the Old Slavic elements 'vladeti', meaning 'to rule', and 'mir', which translates to 'peace' or 'world'. This etymological combination suggests a meaning akin to 'ruler of the world' or 'peaceful ruler'.

The name can be traced back to the early medieval period, with its earliest forms appearing in the 9th century among the Slavic tribes of Eastern Europe. It entered the lexicon of various Slavic languages, including Russian, Ukrainian, and Polish, as these languages evolved over the centuries.

Historically, the name Vladimir is most notably associated with Saint Vladimir, also known as Vladimir the Great, who was the Grand Prince of Kiev from 980 to 1015. He is credited with the Christianization of Kievan Rus' in 988, which had profound implications for the cultural and religious landscape of Eastern Europe.

His legacy is commemorated in various historical texts and hagiographies, particularly in the context of the spread of Orthodox Christianity in the region. The name gained further prominence through its association with various rulers and saints across Slavic nations, reinforcing its significance in the cultural memory of these societies.

Culturally, Vladimir carries connotations of leadership and peace, resonating with the ideals of governance and harmony within Slavic traditions. The name has been celebrated in literature and folklore, often symbolizing strength and benevolence.

In addition to its historical significance, diminutive forms such as Volodya in Russian reflect the name's adaptability and affection within familial contexts. The enduring nature of the name Vladimir highlights its deep roots in Slavic heritage and its association with pivotal historical figures, ensuring its place in the cultural narrative of Eastern Europe.

Famous people named Vladimir

Vladimir Nabokov is a writer best known for Lolita, Pale Fire, and Speak, Memory.

Vladimir Horowitz is a pianist best known for his performances of classical piano works and his recordings of Chopin and Rachmaninoff.

Vladimir Kramnik is a chess grandmaster best known for winning the World Chess Championship in 2000 and his contributions to chess theory.

Vladimir Ashkenazy is a pianist and conductor best known for his interpretations of classical music and his recordings of Rachmaninoff and Beethoven.

Fictional characters named Vladimir

Vladimir is a fictional character from the play Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett. He is one of the two main characters who waits for the mysterious Godot, exploring themes of existentialism and the human condition.

Vladimir is a fictional character from the video game series Castlevania. He is a prominent antagonist, often portrayed as a powerful vampire lord with a complex history and motivations.

Sibling suggestions

Alexei Nikolai Dmitri Sergei Mikhail Anastasia Tatiana

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Vladimir was first seen in the United States in 1913. Vladimir has ranked as high as #1243 nationally, which occurred in 2016, and has been most popular in New York, California, Florida, Texas, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Vladimir has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Vladimir (2024)

Year:

State	Births	Share
CA	19	51%
TX	7	19%
NY	6	16%
VA	5	14%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

Year	Births
1913	11
1914	13
1915	21
1916	16
1917	22
1918	15
1919	12
1920	6
1921	21
1922	18
1923	19
1924	14
1925	10
1926	15
1927	24
1928	14
1929	11
1930	14
1931	6
1932	8
1933	8
1934	10
1936	9
1937	11
1938	7
1939	8
1941	7
1942	5
1943	7
1950	10
1951	9
1952	9
1953	12
1954	6
1955	10
1956	10
1957	11
1958	8
1959	10
1960	10
1961	13
1962	17
1963	16
1964	11
1965	15
1966	14
1967	20
1968	25
1969	25
1970	34
1971	46
1972	39
1973	39
1974	41
1975	36
1976	46
1977	51
1978	52
1979	53
1980	42
1981	63
1982	46
1983	48
1984	50
1985	43
1986	72
1987	68
1988	78
1989	95
1990	86
1991	84
1992	87
1993	93
1994	88
1995	101
1996	94
1997	123
1998	129
1999	82
2000	136
2001	115
2002	122
2003	108
2004	117
2005	156
2006	151
2007	148
2008	160
2009	156
2010	179
2011	160
2012	147
2013	134
2014	166
2015	167
2016	180
2017	161
2018	145
2019	144
2020	117
2021	125
2022	108
2023	87
2024	81