Wasyl is a name of Ukrainian origin and means "more powerful" in the Ukrainian language. It comes from the Slavic root "-sil-" meaning "powerful," and the suffix "-yasl-" which denotes comparative degree. Thus, Wasyl can be translated as "more powerful" or "stronger."
The name Wasyl is believed to have been brought to Ukraine by the Varangians, a group of Scandinavian warriors who settled in Eastern Europe around the 9th century AD. It was likely influenced by Old Norse names such as Áslaug (meaning "god's wave") and Ásvaldr (meaning "god's ruler").
Throughout history, Wasyl has been a popular name among Ukrainians and other Slavic peoples. Some notable figures with this name include Wasyl Stus, a Ukrainian poet and human rights activist who fought against Soviet repression in the 20th century; and Wasyl Korolivsky, an iconic figure of Ukrainian literature known for his satirical works.
Today, Wasyl remains a popular choice among Ukrainians and those interested in Ukrainian culture. It is often shortened to Wasylko or Wasylie as terms of endearment. While it may not be widely recognized outside of Eastern Europe, the name Wasyl carries a rich history and cultural significance that continues to resonate with many people today.
The name Wasyl has seen varying popularity throughout the years in the United States. From 1916 to 1962, there were a total of 64 babies named Wasyl born across the country.
In the early 20th century, between 1916 and 1924, there was a modest but consistent number of births with this name. There were six births in both 1916 and 1917, followed by seven births in 1919 and another seven in 1924.
There was then a significant gap in the usage of this name for several decades until it saw a resurgence in the mid-20th century. In the years between 1955 and 1962, there were a total of 53 births with the name Wasyl, with the highest number occurring in 1956 with eight births.
It's interesting to note that despite the fluctuations in popularity over time, the name Wasyl has maintained a consistent presence in the United States for much of the past century.