Vladimir Boy

Popularity: #851 · 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

In this section, you will find notable people named Vladimir. 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 Vladimir who have made a significant impact on popular culture.

We also feature individuals named Vladimir 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.

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

The following list of fictional characters named Vladimir is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.

You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.

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

If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Vladimir, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.

AlexeiNikolaiDmitriSergeiMikhailAnastasiaTatiana

Similar names

Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Vladimir. 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.

ValentinViktorVasiliyVanyaVladislavVasjaVeraVioletta

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Vladimir was first seen in the United States in 1913.

Vladimir has ranked as high as #2384 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)

The name Vladimir 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 Vladimir was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.

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 Vladimir.

Year Total Births Boy
2025 87 87
2024 81 81
2023 87 87
2022 108 108
2021 126 126
2020 117 117
2019 144 144
2018 145 145
2017 161 161
2016 180 180
2015 167 167
2014 166 166
2013 134 134
2012 147 147
2011 160 160
2010 179 179
2009 156 156
2008 160 160
2007 148 148
2006 151 151
2005 156 156
2004 117 117
2003 108 108
2002 122 122
2001 115 115
2000 136 136
1999 82 82
1998 129 129
1997 123 123
1996 94 94
1995 101 101
1994 88 88
1993 93 93
1992 87 87
1991 84 84
1990 86 86
1989 95 95
1988 78 78
1987 68 68
1986 72 72
1985 43 43
1984 50 50
1983 48 48
1982 46 46
1981 63 63
1980 42 42
1979 53 53
1978 52 52
1977 51 51
1976 46 46
1975 36 36
1974 41 41
1973 39 39
1972 39 39
1971 46 46
1970 34 34
1969 25 25
1968 25 25
1967 20 20
1966 14 14
1965 15 15
1964 11 11
1963 16 16
1962 17 17
1961 13 13
1960 10 10
1959 10 10
1958 8 8
1957 11 11
1956 10 10
1955 10 10
1954 6 6
1953 12 12
1952 9 9
1951 9 9
1950 10 10
1943 7 7
1942 5 5
1941 7 7
1939 8 8
1938 7 7
1937 11 11
1936 9 9
1934 10 10
1933 8 8
1932 8 8
1931 6 6
1930 14 14
1929 11 11
1928 14 14
1927 24 24
1926 15 15
1925 10 10
1924 14 14
1923 19 19
1922 18 18
1921 21 21
1920 6 6
1919 12 12
1918 15 15
1917 22 22
1916 16 16
1915 21 21
1914 13 13
1913 11 11

Top States for Vladimir (2024)

We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.

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