Vasiljev as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Vasiljev

What is the meaning of the name Vasiljev ?

The baby name Vasiljev is a Male name , 3 syllables long and is pronounced /vɐˈsiljev/ (vah-SIL-yev).

Vasiljev is Slavic in Origin.

Vasiljev is a Slavic patronymic-turned-surname derived from the given name Vasilij/Vasilije, ultimately from Greek Basileios, meaning "kingly" or "royal." The -ev/-jev suffix denotes "of, belonging to," hence "son of Vasil." The form appears across Eastern and South Slavic languages: Russian Васильев (often transliterated Vasiliev/Vasilyev), Bulgarian Vasilev, and Latin-script South Slavic Vasiljev. It can also occur as a toponymic or clan name in the Balkans.

Rooted in Orthodox saint veneration, especially St. Basil the Great, the base name spread widely after the Christianization of the Slavs and became a foundation for numerous patronymics. As a given name, Vasiljev is rare but emerges in modern surname-as-first-name usage. Related variants include Vasily/Vasili, Vasil, Vasilij/Vasilije, Vasyl (Ukrainian), and Vasile (Romanian); surname forms Vasiliev/Vasilyev/Vasilev, and the feminine Vasiljeva/Vasilyeva. Common diminutives are Vasya (Russian) and Vasko (Bulgarian/Macedonian). The core meaning evokes leadership, dignity, and noble bearing.

⚙ Vasiljev is extremely rare. Across 1 country, we found just 1 recorded use of it.