Vasiliev

Vasiliev is a Russian-language surname derived from the masculine given name Vasily (a form of Basil). The patronymic suffix -ev indicates a relation to Vasily, roughly meaning “belonging to Vasily” or “son of Vasily.” The feminine form is Vasilieva (Васильева). In English-language texts, the surname is widely transliterated as Vasiliev, Vasilyev, Vasilev, or, less commonly, Vassiliev.

The name is one of the most common Russian surnames and is found throughout Russia and in many countries of the former Soviet Union, as well as in diaspora communities worldwide. Variants arise from different transliteration systems and regional pronunciations, but all share the same origin. The surname appears in many fields, reflecting its broad distribution across societies that use Slavic naming conventions.

Notable individuals bearing the surname span a range of disciplines, including science, the arts, sports, and politics. As with many common names, bearers of Vasiliev have contributed to academic research, cultural life, and public service in various countries and contexts.

See also: Vasilyev and Vasilev, common transliterations of the same patronymic origin. The feminine form Vasilieva is used for women. Variants in other languages may adapt the spelling to local conventions while preserving the same root.