Declining since 2015, #6,546 for girls today.
Popularity of Vasilisa since 2006
Babies named Vasilisa per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 27 |
| 2010s | 174 |
| 2020s | 74 |
Meaning & origin
Vasilisa is a rare and distinctive Russian name that has seen limited but steady use in the United States. First recorded in the U.S. in 2006, it peaked in popularity in 2016, when it ranked 6,546. Since 2015, its trajectory has been falling, with about 1 in 94,545 baby girls receiving the name in 2025. The name is most common in Florida, reflecting the state's diverse cultural influences. Vasilisa carries strong folkloric associations, notably as the heroine of the Russian fairy tale 'Vasilisa the Beautiful,' which adds literary depth. Its etymology traces through Greek 'basilissa' to the Slavic tradition, making it a meaningful choice for families with Russian or Orthodox heritage. Despite its rarity, Vasilisa offers a melodic alternative to more common Slavic-inspired names like Anastasia, with the flexibility of nicknames such as Vasya and Lisa.
Vasilisa is the Russian feminine form of Vasily, which derives from the Greek name Basileios meaning 'king' or 'royal'. The name has been used in Russia since medieval times and appears in Slavic folklore as the clever and beautiful heroine Vasilisa the Beautiful. It has seen modest modern use in English-speaking countries, often chosen for its literary and fairy-tale associations.
Where Vasilisa is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Vasya, Lisa, Vasilisa
Variants: Vasilissa, Basilissa
Sibling names for Vasilisa
Names that share Vasilisa's style, for a brother or sister.
