Vasilis

Vasilis is a masculine given name of Greek origin. It is a short form of Vasileios, a name derived from the ancient Greek Basileus, meaning “king” or “royal.” The form is common in Greece and among Greek communities abroad. It is frequently transliterated as Vassilis or Vasilios, with English speakers sometimes rendering it as Basil. The name has feminine counterparts such as Vasiliki and Vasilia. The root Basileus is also the source of related names in other languages, including Basil and Basilio.

In usage, Vasilis is chiefly found in Greek-speaking contexts and often carries the cultural associations of leadership and nobility linked to its meaning. Variants reflect different transliteration systems and regional preferences, but all derive from the same Greek root.

Name day is a traditional part of Greek naming customs. In the Greek Orthodox calendar, the name day associated with Basil (and with Vasilis) is January 1, the feast of Saint Basil the Great.

Notable people with the name include Vasilis Avlonitis (1896–1971), a prominent Greek actor and comedian, and Vassilis Spanoulis (born 1983), a renowned Greek professional basketball player who has played in the EuroLeague and the NBA. The name remains common in contemporary Greece and among the Greek diaspora.