The meaning of the word वासुदेव Vāsudēva

The common understanding of the meaning of the word वासुदेव Vāsudēva is that he is the son of Vasudēva. So, this refers to Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Of course, this is correct.

In the Viṣṇu Gāyatrī, we read  

ॐ नारायणाय विद्महे वासुदेवाय धीमहि । तन्नो विष्णुः प्रचोदयात् ॥ 

So, this means that Nārāyaṇa, Vāsudēva and Viṣṇu are the same. However, the word Vāsudēva has several layers of meaning!

In the famous Śrī Viṣṇusahasranāmastōtram, revered by Hindus across the world, the word Vāsudēva occurs three times. In addition, in the Phalaśruti, Bhagavān makes the Sage Vyāsa say this as the one paradigm that completely describes Bhagavān:

श्रीभगवान् उवाच -

यो मां नामसहस्रेण स्तोतुमिच्छति पाण्डव ।

सोऽहमेकेन श्लोकेन स्तुत एव न संशयः   ॥

Bhagavān said - If anyone were to adore me through these thousand words, he should know that I am described and worshipped by just this one ślōka, without any doubt!

व्यास उवाच -

वासनाद्वासुदेवस्य वासितं भुवनत्रयम् ।

सर्वभूत निवासोऽसि वासुदेव नमोस्तु ते ॥

The three worlds are inhabited by the divine fragrance, consciousness and grace of Bhagavān, who is called Vāsudēva! Thus, Bhagavān inhabits all creation and all life forms! Oh, Vāsudēva! Obeisances to you!

Now, while going through the excellent work of the great Vidvān Bannañje Gōvindāchārya, I came across these interpretations, which are simply inspirational!

Now let me give a simple English summary of these interpretations!

1. va + asu + dēva  - He instils consciousness in all and runs this creation as a play.
2. vā + su + dē + ava - He is everywhere; he gives birth to all,  he gives all bounties to all, and protects all.
3. Son of vasudēva - He arises/is born in the purely endowed heart (vasudēva).
4. vāsu + dēva - He reveals himself when we remove all the coverings of ignorance.
5. vāsudēva - He is the fourth state of our being, beyond waking, dream and deep sleep!