Find out how popular the first name Vasilis has been for the last 40 years (from 1978 to 2017) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Vasilis by gender

Based on the last 40 years of data, Vasilis is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2017, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Vasilis.

The history of the first name Vasilis

The name Vasilis is derived from the Greek Βασίλειος (Basileios), which in turn comes from the Greek word βασιλεύς (basileus), meaning "king". It was a common name in ancient Greece and the Byzantine Empire, often given to children in the hope that they would grow up to be leaders or rulers.

One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Basil the Great, a 4th-century bishop and theologian who is revered as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Catholic Church, and the Anglican Communion. He was born around 330 AD in Caesarea, Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey) and is remembered for his influential writings on theology, monastic life, and moral philosophy.

Another notable figure was Basil I the Macedonian, a 9th-century Byzantine emperor who reigned from 867 to 886 AD. He was born in 811 AD in the theme of Macedonia, and his reign marked the beginning of the Macedonian Renaissance, a period of cultural and intellectual revival in the Byzantine Empire.

In the 12th century, Basil Kalkas was a prominent Byzantine scholar and theologian who served as the Archbishop of Thessaloniki from 1180 to 1186 AD. He played a significant role in the theological debates of his time and left behind several influential works on philosophy and theology.

In the 14th century, Basil the Blessed was a prominent Russian saint and miracle worker who lived from 1468 to 1552. He is revered in the Russian Orthodox Church for his ascetic life, spiritual guidance, and numerous miracles attributed to him.

During the Renaissance period, Basilio Bessarione (1403-1472) was a prominent Greek scholar, philosopher, and theologian who played a crucial role in the rediscovery and revival of classical Greek literature in Western Europe. He served as a cardinal in the Catholic Church and was a leading figure in the Council of Florence, which aimed to reunite the Eastern and Western Christian churches.

These are just a few examples of notable figures throughout history who bore the name Vasilis or its variants. The name has been popular across various cultures and time periods, reflecting its deep roots in Greek history and culture.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Vasilis was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Vasilis, please contact us.

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