Vasiliy

Vasiliy is a male given name of Slavic origin derived from the Greek name Basileios, meaning "king" or "royal." In Russian contexts it is commonly transliterated as Vasiliy or Vasilii, and in English-language writing it is often equated with Basil. The name has been widely used in Eastern Europe since medieval times, reflecting its association with nobility and Christian tradition.

Variants and diminutives include Vasily, Vasili, and Vasya (the most common informal form in Russia). In Ukrainian, the form Vasyl is used; Bulgarian uses Vasil and Vasko as pet forms. The Greek form is Vasilios or Vasileios, from which many Slavic forms are ultimately derived.

Religious and cultural significance: The name is associated with Saint Basil the Great, a prominent 4th-century bishop and church Father, whose influence in Eastern Orthodoxy and Catholicism contributed to the name's popularity in Slavic and Greco-Christian communities. Naming patterns often link the day of Basil's feast with baptism, though modern usage is secular in many regions.

Modern usage: Vasiliy remains common in Russia and other former Soviet states, as well as in Bulgaria, Greece, and among Slavic-speaking communities worldwide. The spelling and pronunciation adapt to local languages, producing forms such as Vasili, Vasil, Vasyl, or Basil.