> What do you guys think about my idea that Vladimir Putin isn't his real name?
> "Vladimir" can be read as "ruler of the world" or "peaceful ruler", both readings seeming
> rather ironic for one of the most powerful people in the world.
Russians used to import their leaders from abroad, namely from Germany. So, you might want refer yourself to the firstprimary sources such as https://www.amazon.com/Putins-Demokratur-dp-3430201837/dp/3430201837, https://www.amazon.com/Putin/dp/3455503039 or https://www.amazon.com/Vladimir-Putin-Dresden-Germany-Genesis/dp/1540484319. The books represent photocopies of some Stasi’s documents and they had already been signed as Vladimir Putin. But some of his former colleagues there may still remember something about if it was his real name or not. Though it is unlikely you will be allowed to consult the Stasi’s archives.
I also believe your treatment of the name Vladimir as "ruler of the world" is inexact and "peaceful ruler" is absolutely wrong. The original meaning is the “great power” (great in his power). It was rethought later the way great --> world/universe (mer(s) --> mir) so the "ruler of the world" is acceptable and even good enough (this is the way it is treated in the official school program) but it is not the very original idea of the name.