Vasil is a name of Bulgarian origin, derived from the Greek word "Βασιλεύς" (Basileus), which means "king". It is the Bulgarian form of the Greek name Basil, and it has been used in Bulgaria for centuries.
The name Vasil was particularly popular among Bulgarian royalty, with several kings named Vasil throughout history. One notable example is Tsar Vasili II the Thunderbolt, who ruled Bulgaria in the 15th century and was known for his military prowess and his efforts to protect Bulgaria from Ottoman conquest.
In Bulgaria, Vasil is traditionally celebrated as a male given name on November 4th, which corresponds to the Orthodox feast day of Saint Vasil. However, unlike many other names associated with specific saints or holidays, Vasil has not been strongly linked to any particular cultural traditions or celebrations outside of Bulgaria.
Today, Vasil remains a popular name in Bulgaria and among Bulgarian communities worldwide. It is often shortened to "Vasi" as a term of endearment or familiarity, but it can also be spelled in various ways, including Vasili, Vase, Vasile, or Basilio, depending on the language and cultural context.
Despite its royal origins and historic significance, Vasil has not been widely adopted outside of Bulgaria. However, its meaning - "king" - continues to make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a strong and powerful name for their son.
The name Vasil has a relatively steady but low frequency of occurrences throughout the years between 1918 and 2011 in the United States. With only 5 births each year from 1918 to 1920, the number gradually increased to a peak of 12 births in 1925. After this peak, the frequency of Vasil births decreased again, with 7 births in 1927 and 5 births in both 1929 and 2005. The most recent year for which data is available is 2011, with another 5 births recorded that year. Overall, there have been a total of 79 births with the name Vasil in the United States from 1918 to 2011.