Varlam

Varlam is a masculine given name used in Russia and other parts of Eastern Europe and the Caucasus. It is the Cyrillic form Варлам and a variant of Varlaam, which itself derives from the Greek Barlaam. The name appears in Orthodox Christian contexts and is associated with historical and religious writings that circulated in late antiquity and the medieval period.

In terms of usage, Varlam is most commonly found in Russian-speaking areas, though related forms and adaptations appear in neighboring languages. The name has several transliterations and related forms, such as Varlaam and Barlaam, depending on language and tradition. The form Varlam is typically preserved in Slavic linguistic environments, while Varlaam is more common in Greek or Western Christian texts.

Historically, bearers of the name appear in church records, hagiographies, and ecclesiastical histories. In Orthodox tradition, Varlaam/Barlaam is associated with several saints and monastic figures, contributing to the name’s continued presence in religious communities. In modern times, Varlam remains in occasional use among descendants of those communities, though it is not among the most common traditional names.

See also Varlaam, Barlaam. The name’s significance is largely historical and religious, reflecting its roots in early Christian literature and its sustained association with Orthodox Christian heritage.