Vasily is a popular given name of Slavic origin, particularly in Russia and other Eastern European countries. It comes from the Russian form of the Greek name Vassilios, which itself originates from the Greek word 'basileus,' meaning 'king.' Thus, Vasily means 'king' or 'ruler.'
The name Vasily has been used throughout history among royalty and nobles, most notably by Tsar Vasili III (1479-1533), who ruled Russia during the 16th century. However, its usage extends beyond the nobility to common people as well.
In many Eastern Orthodox cultures, Saint Vasilios is venerated on January 30th, which may have contributed to the name's popularity in those regions. Despite this connection to religion, Vasily is not exclusively used among adherents of Eastern Orthodoxy; it has been widely adopted across various denominations and cultures over time.
Today, Vasily continues to be a popular choice for boys' names in countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Greece, among others. While its popularity has varied somewhat through history, Vasily remains an enduring classic that carries with it a sense of regal dignity and strength.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Vasily has seen a varying number of births in the United States over the past several decades. The highest number of births recorded for this name was in 2018 with 14 newborns, indicating that it was quite popular that year.
However, the popularity of the name Vasily seems to have fluctuated significantly over time. While there were periods where the number of births stayed relatively consistent, such as between 1978 and 2008 (ranging from 5 to 6 births per year), there are also notable gaps in the data and significant changes in the number of births from one year to the next.
For instance, there were no recorded births with the name Vasily in the United States between 2009 and 2010, which is a considerable gap. Additionally, the number of births jumped significantly from 6 in 2014 to 9 in 2017, before dropping back down to 5 in 2020 and remaining at that level in 2021.
Overall, while the name Vasily has had some periods of popularity in the United States, its usage has not been consistent over time. With a total of 113 births recorded since 1978, it remains a relatively rare name compared to more popular choices.