Wladimir

Wladimir is a traditional male first name of Slavic origin, primarily widespread in Bulgaria and Russia. Its direct translation is 'the peaceful ruler', 'the ruler of peace', or 'the ruler of the world'. Originally, it may also carry the meaning 'great and famous in his power'.

What does the name Wladimir mean?

The name Wladimir has its roots in Old Slavic and consists of two elements: the word vlad, which means 'to rule', 'power', or 'sovereignty', and meri, which means 'known', 'significant', or 'famous'. This second component is related to the Old High German mari. In the Russian-speaking area, however, the second syllable is often interpreted as mir, which means 'peace' or 'world'. Wladimir is often considered a Slavic variant of Waldemar, although this relationship is not definitively established. Other Slavic forms include Wladimiro, Vladimir, Vladimiras, and many more. Short forms include Vlatko, Vladan, Vlado, and Wlodek.

Where does the name Wladimir come from?

The etymology of Wladimir is Old Slavic and encompasses meanings such as 'the peaceful ruler' and 'the ruler of peace'. The name consists of the Old Slavic words vlad (to rule, power, sovereignty) and meri (known, significant, famous). In Russian, the second syllable is often associated with mir (peace, world). These terms are also related to the Old High German equivalents waltan (to govern, manage, rule) and mari (famous, esteemed, known). The languages from which this name originates are Russian and Slavic.

How do you pronounce Wladimir?

The pronunciation of Wladimir is three syllables and stressed. It is pronounced as 'Wla-di-mir' [vlaˈdiːmiːɐ̯], with the unusual consonant cluster 'Wl' immediately catching the ear and giving the name an international flair. The stressed middle syllable with a long 'i' provides a radiant timbre, while the gentle '-mir' harmoniously rounds off the name. Wladimir thus exudes dignity and sovereignty, powerful at the beginning and sonorous at the end.

When is the name day of Wladimir?

The name day of Wladimir is celebrated on July 15.

Popularity

In Germany, Wladimir is a relatively rare first name. Currently, it ranks 5,840th on the list of the most common male first names. Its best placement was in 2011 at rank 871. Over the last ten years, Wladimir has been chosen as a first name about 170 times, placing it 1,733rd in the ten-year statistics. Between 2010 and 2024, it ranks 1,526th.

Nicknames & pet names

Vlady / Waldi / Wlad / Wladi / Wladik / Wlado / Wowa

Famous people

• Wladimir Alexandrowitsch Kowin (ice hockey player from Russia)
• Wladimir Anatoljewitsch Breschnew (ice hockey player from Russia)
• Wladimir Borissowitsch Berestezki (Russian physicist)
• Wladimir Borissowitsch Matwejew (mathematician from Russia)
• Wladimir Georgijewitsch Bok (Russian archaeologist)
• Wladimir Iljitsch Ryschenkow (Russian weightlifter)
• Wladimir Iljitsch Uljanow (head of the October Revolution 1917 in Russia (known as Lenin))
• Wladimir Iwanowitsch Sinjawski (Russian wrestler)
• Wladimir Jakowlewitsch Schainski (Russian composer)
• Wladimir Kaminer (author)
• Wladimir Klitschko (famous Ukrainian boxer)
• Wladimir Naef (Swiss chess player)
• Wladimir Niederhaus (Russian football player)
• Wladimir Nikolajewitsch Golikow (Russian ice hockey player)
• Wladimir Paltschewski (Russian ski jumper)
• Wladimir Parfenowitsch (rower from Russia)
• Wladimir Pawlowitsch Owtschinnikow (Russian pianist)
• Wladimir Putin (President of Russia)
• Wladimir Sarew (writer from Bulgaria)
• Wladimir Semjonowitsch Golowanow (Russian weightlifter)