Vasilii

Vasilii is a masculine given name, most commonly encountered as a transliteration of the Russian name Василий. It is used in Russia and other Slavic-speaking countries, with related forms in Ukrainian, Belarusian, Bulgarian, and Polish. English-language renderings include Vasilii, Vasiliy, Vasily, and Vasili.

The name derives from the Greek Basileios, meaning "kingly" or "royal." In Christian tradition, its popularity is reinforced by Basil the Great, a venerated 4th-century saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Variants and usage across languages include Ukrainian Vasyl, Bulgarian Vasil, and Polish Bazyli, among others. The diminutive Vasya is widely used in Russia for Vasilii. Transliterations vary by language and era, leading to several commonly seen spellings in English.

Notable bearers include historical rulers of Moscow named Vasilii, such as Vasili III (r. 1505–1533) and Vasili IV Shuisky (r. 1610). The name has also appeared in literature, religion, and modern contexts, reflecting its long-standing presence in Slavic naming traditions.

Overall, Vasilii remains a traditional Slavic masculine name with royal and Christian associations, continuing to appear in historical and contemporary contexts.