Last Name Vasilj

The surname Vasilj is of Slavic origin, specifically from Eastern European countries like Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, and Montenegro. It derives from the given name Vasilij (or Vasily), which is a form of the Latin name Basilius, meaning "royal" or "king." This name was popular among Slavic populations since the Early Middle Ages. The surname Vasilj would have been formed as a patronymic, indicating that the original bearer's father had the given name Vasilij.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vasilj

The meaning and origin of the last name Vasilj

The surname Vasilj is of Slavic origin, specifically from Eastern Europe, particularly Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia-Herzegovina. It is derived from the given name Vasilije or Basil, which means 'royal' in Greek. The surname Vasilj may have been acquired as an occupational name for a scribe or secretary, as Vasilije was the name of several early Christian saints known for their literacy and administrative skills. Alternatively, it could have originated from a geographical location named after one of these saints. The surname has various spellings in different languages, such as Vasiljevic, Vasevich, Vasilev, and Vasilyev, reflecting its widespread use among Slavic populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vasilj

The surname Vasilj is predominantly found in Eastern and Southeastern Europe, particularly in countries with significant Slavic populations such as Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and Macedonia. It's a variant of the name Vasily or Vasil, which originates from the Russian form of the Byzantine Greek name Evangelos (Ευαγγέλος), meaning "bringing good news." The name has been carried by Slavic settlers over centuries and is now present in various diaspora communities around the world, including Western Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vasilj

The surname Vasilj has various spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common versions include:

* Vasilij (Cyrillic: Василий) - the original Russian form, which means "king" or "ruler."
* Vasilyev (Васильев) - a patronymic derived from the name Vasiliy, meaning "son of Vasiliy."
* Wasilewski (Wasilewski) - the Polish variation, stemming from Vasilij.
* Vasilescu (Vasilesco, Vasileskou) - Romanian versions, with "escu" being a common suffix for surnames in Romania.
* Wassili (Wassile) - an Anglicized form, often spelled with different vowel combinations like Wasil or Wassilieff.
* Vasiljevic (Vasiljević) - Serbian variation, typically used among Orthodox Christians.
* Vassiliades (Βασιλιάδης) - Greek version, often spelled with different vowel combinations like Basileides or Vasiliadis.

Famous people with the last name Vasilj

Among the notable individuals with the surname Vasiljevic (a variant of Vasilj), there are several figures who have made significant contributions in various fields. In sports, Vasa Pusica is a renowned professional basketball player, having played for clubs such as Partizan Belgrade and the Philadelphia 76ers. In academia, Dragan Vasiljevic is a Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, known for his work in earthquake engineering and structural dynamics. In the entertainment industry, Zoran Vasilj is a Serbian actor, best known for his role as Slobodan Milošević in the television film "Milosevic on Trial." Lastly, Ana Vasiljevic, a Croatian violinist, has gained international recognition for her exceptional performances and collaborations with renowned orchestras worldwide. These individuals exemplify the diverse accomplishments of those carrying the surname Vasiljevic.

Genealogical research on the last name Vasilj

The surname Vasilj originates from Slavic roots, specifically from Eastern and South-Eastern Europe. Variations of this name can include Vasiljević, Vasilevski, and Vasilyev, among others. The name is derived from the personal name "Vasiliy," a Slavic form of Basil, which originated from the Greek name "Basileus" meaning king or emperor.

The Vasilj lineage can be traced back to medieval times in regions such as Croatia, Serbia, and Russia. In Croatia, the name is most common in the coastal Dalmatian region and inland areas around Zagreb. In Serbia, it is predominant in the central regions surrounding Belgrade. In Russia, Vasiljev family branches are scattered throughout the country, with significant populations in Central and Northwestern regions.

Throughout history, individuals with the surname Vasilj have held various roles, including clergy, nobility, merchants, artisans, and peasants. Notable figures include Ivan Vasilijević Oliviero, a 16th-century Croatian nobleman, and Vasily Vasilievich Sytin, a Russian revolutionary leader who was executed during the Red Terror in 1918.

Genealogical research suggests that the name's origin can be traced back to a common ancestor, but further investigation is needed to establish concrete links and migration patterns within the Vasilj lineage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "vasilj"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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