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Vasile

♂ Boy

Pronounced vah-SEE-leh /vaˈsi.le/Medium

Meaning: The Romanian form of Basil, from Greek basileios, 'kingly; royal', itself from basileus, 'king'. A very common traditional name in Romania and Moldova, honouring Saint Basil the Great.Medium

In 30 seconds: Romania's Basil: Vasile means 'kingly; royal', from the Greek for 'king' (said 'vah-SEE-leh').

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Origin MediumRomanian, Greek

MeaningThe Romanian form of Basil, from Greek basileios, 'kingly; royal', itself from basileus, 'king'. A very common traditional name in Romania and Moldova, honouring Saint Basil the Great.

U.S. rank (2024)#14064 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 36

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Vasile is Romania's form of Basil, from Greek basileios, 'kingly; royal'. The name spread through the Orthodox world in honour of Saint Basil the Great, the fourth-century bishop of Caesarea, and it has been a staple of Romanian and Moldovan naming for centuries. Warm, three-beat and unmistakably regal in meaning (said 'vah-SEE-leh').

In the U.S. it appears only rarely. Rare here, a classic in Romania.

Did you know? Vasile is the Romanian Basil, and it goes back to the Greek basileus, 'king'. It is one of the most traditional names in Romania — Saint Basil's feast on 1 January keeps it front of mind every new year (said 'vah-SEE-leh').

Overall data confidence 60%

References — Vasile — Romanian form of Basil; Greek basileios, 'kingly'

Variations

BasilVasiliVasilis

Nicknames

VasiSile

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Vasile…

Basil— the English form of the same name

Vasili— the Russian twin

Nicolae— a like Romanian classic

Aristotle— another Greek name

Zale— shares the -le ending

Explore names like Vasile

By themegreek heritage traditional romanian

By meaningRoyal / Noble Honor

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Vasile mean?

Vasile is the Romanian form of Basil, from the Greek for 'kingly; royal'.

How do you pronounce Vasile?

It's said vah-SEE-leh /vaˈsi.le/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Vasile a boy or girl name?

Vasile is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Vasile?

Vasile is a rare name for boys in the U.S., though it is very common in Romania.