Vladimir is a name of Slavic origin, derived from the Old East Slavic words "volodъ" and "mir", which translate to "ruler" and "peace", respectively. Thus, Vladimir means "ruling peace". This name has been popular throughout Eastern Europe for centuries.
The name gained prominence through its association with several historical figures. The most notable is Vladimir the Great (956-1015), a Grand Prince of Kiev who played a significant role in the Christianization of Kievan Rus'. He converted to Christianity in 988, a decision that had a profound impact on the religious landscape of Eastern Europe.
Other notable figures bearing this name include Vladimir Lenin (1870-1924), leader of the Bolsheviks and the first head of state of the Soviet Union, and Vladimir Nabokov (1899-1977), a renowned Russian-American novelist and literary critic.
Today, Vladimir continues to be popular among parents seeking a strong, historic name for their sons. It is often associated with wisdom, leadership, and a sense of tranquility, reflecting its meaning of "ruling peace".
The name Vladimir experienced a significant rise in popularity from the 1960s onwards, with a notable spike starting around the late 1970s and peaking in the mid-1990s. However, it has been on a downward trend since then, with recent years showing a decline in its usage.