Varlaam

Varlaam is the Russian and Georgian form of the name Barlaam, whose meaning is not definitively known. In Christian hagiography, Varlaam is often identified with a legendary 3rd-century hermit who converted Prince Josaphat, son of an Indian king, to Christianity — a story that is widely recognized as being derived from the life of the Buddha. The name was also borne by two saints, including the Orthodox saint Varlaam of the Kiev Caves (11th–12th centuries), a monk and ascetic venerated in Eastern Christianity.

Etymology and Linguistic Roots

The name Varlaam entered Greek and then Slavic languages through the Byzantine tradition. According to Wiktionary, the Romanian variant of Varlaam is borrowed from Byzantine Greek Barlaám, which itself derives from Georgian balahvar, ultimately possibly from Sanskrit bhagavān (meaning “God”). This reflected the adaptation of Buddhist narratives into Christian legend, where the term evolved into a personal name associated with holiness.

In Slavic contexts—especially in Russia, Ukraine, and Bulgaria—Varlaam was used as a monastic name among Orthodox monks, further solidifying its religious overtones. The name appears in medieval Russian chronicles and saints’ lives, such as that of Saint Varlaam of Khutyn (12th century), a Novgorodian miracle-worker.

Geographic Distribution and Variants

The name Varlaam is primarily used in Georgia, Russia, and other Eastern Orthodox countries. A common variant is Varlam, the contracted Georgian form recorded in related names. In Romania, Varlaam serves as both a given name and a surname, with two villages named Varlaam in Buzău and Giurgiu counties, demonstrating the name’s onomastic footprint in the region.

Using the Name

While largely historical in modern usage, Varlaam continues to appear in Eastern European families with traditional or religious naming customs. Its equivalents in other languages include Barlaam in Greek, Baratam in Armenian, and Varlam in Georgian.

• Meaning: Unknown; possibly from Sanskrit bhagavān (“God”)
• Origin: Greek < Βαρλαάμ, ultimately through Georgian from Sanskrit
• Type: Religious given name, also a Romanian surname
• Usage regions: Russia, Georgia, Romania, Ukraine