Basil
Basil is a boy's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Royal, kingly, or regal.
Origin and history
Basil is derived from the Greek name Basileios, meaning royal or kingly. Historically popular in the Eastern Orthodox church due to St. Basil the Great, it was later adopted into the English-speaking world. In the U.S., it is a classic, uncommon name with enduring vintage appeal.
Popularity in the United States
13,172 babies in the United States have been named Basil since 1880. It ranks #1036 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1487.
States where it is most popular
- NY (15.1 %)
- PA (11.7 %)
- WV (10.1 %)
- MI (7.2 %)
- CA (6.2 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 124 |
| 1890-1900 | 244 |
| 1900-1910 | 334 |
| 1910-1920 | 1,719 |
| 1920-1930 | 2,451 |
| 1930-1940 | 1,705 |
| 1940-1950 | 1,293 |
| 1950-1960 | 1,090 |
| 1960-1970 | 873 |
| 1970-1980 | 577 |
| 1980-1990 | 572 |
| 1990-2000 | 661 |
| 2000-2010 | 537 |
| 2010-2019 | 548 |
| 2020-2029 | 444 |
Famous people named Basil
- Basil Rathbone: Actor
Nicknames
Baz
Fun facts
- The name shares the same ancient Greek root as the word basilica and the herb basil.
- Saint Basil of Caesarea is one of the most venerated saints in the Eastern Orthodox Tradition.