Holding steady, #7,194 for boys today.
Popularity of Vasili since 1976
Babies named Vasili per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 12 |
| 2000s | 68 |
| 2010s | 71 |
| 2020s | 48 |
Meaning & origin
Vasili is a Russian variant of the ancient Greek name Basileios, meaning royal or kingly. While it has a long history in Eastern Europe and among Orthodox Christians, in the United States it has only been recorded since 1976. Its popularity peaked in 2013, but as of 2025 it ranks 7,194th, given to roughly 1 in every 155,280 boys. The name has remained stable in usage over the years, without dramatic spikes. It is most common in states with larger Eastern European communities, though it does not appear in any single state's top names lists. Vasili offers a distinctly international alternative to the more familiar Basil.
Vasili is a Russian form of the Greek name Basileios (Basil), derived from basileus meaning 'king' or 'royal'. The name has strong associations with Eastern Orthodox Christianity, borne by several saints including Saint Basil the Great. In Russia, it has been used for centuries and is linked to numerous historical figures, though its popularity has waned in modern times.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Vasya, Vas
Sibling names for Vasili
Names that share Vasili's style, for a brother or sister.
