Vasily

Vasily is a masculine given name of Slavic origin. It is the Russian form of Basil, derived from the Greek Basileios, meaning kingly or royal. The name has been widely used in Russia and other Slavic countries and has several transliterations in English, including Vasiliy, Vasili, and Vasilii. In everyday speech, diminutives such as Vasya and Vasil are common.

In historical use, Vasily has been borne by rulers, saints, and scholars in Eastern Europe. It is associated with Saint Basil the Great in Orthodox tradition, and the name has appeared in various chronicles and church calendars across the region. The form Vasily has remained popular in Russia from medieval times to the present day.

Notable individuals with the name include Vasily Zaitsev (1921–1991), a Soviet sniper celebrated for his actions during World War II, and Vasily Grossman (1905–1964), a prominent writer and journalist whose work focused on the human impact of totalitarianism and war. The painter commonly known in English as Wassily Kandinsky was born Vasily Kandinsky; his Russian name reflects the same root as Vasily, though he is typically rendered with a Germanized spelling in Western sources.

Today, Vasily remains a common given name in Russia and other countries with Slavic linguistic influence. It is used in literature, media, and everyday life, often appearing in variations that reflect local language and transliteration practices.