Varlam is a masculine given name used primarily in Orthodox Slavic and Georgian cultures. It is a variant of Varlaam, the Russian and Georgian form of Barlaam.Etymology and HistoryThe name ultimately derives from Barlaam, a name of uncertain meaning that appears in Christian legend as a 3rd-century hermit who converted Josaphat, an Indian prince, to Christianity. The story is believed to be a Christianized adaptation of the life of the Buddha. Two saints bearing the name Barlaam are venerated in Eastern Orthodox and Catholic traditions. The name was adopted into East Slavic and Georgian languages through Church Slavonic, giving rise to the forms Varlaam and subsequently Varlam.Notable BearersSeveral prominent individuals have borne the name Varlam, especially in Georgia and Russia. Among them are politician and journalist Varlam Cherkezishvili (1846–1925), a Georgian nationalist leader; lawyer and politician Varlam Gelovani (1878–1915); Armenian Bolshevik and Soviet politician Varlam Avanesov (1884–1930); and the celebrated Russian writer, poet, and memoirist Varlam Shalamov (1907–1982), known for his harrowing accounts of the Gulag labor camps. In sports, notable Varlams include Georgian footballer and manager Varlam Kilasonia (born 1967), Romanian aerobic gymnast Claudiu Varlam (born 1975), and Georgian judoka Varlam Liparteliani (born 1989).Related FormsVarlam is related to the Western form Barlaam and the Slavic and Romanian variant Varlaam. The East Slavic surname Varlamov is derived from this name.Meaning: Uncertain, possibly associated with the saintly hermit BarlaamOrigin: Derived from Greek Barlaam via Church SlavonicType: Given name (masculine)Usage regions: Georgia, Russia, other Orthodox cultures