Basil
Basil first appears in US records in 0. It peaked in 1924, when 281 boys were given the name.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Basil popular?
Vintage Basil is rarely given today, but saw real use in the past — it peaked back in 1924.
| 2020s | 444 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 548 | |
| 2000s | 537 | |
| 1990s | 661 | |
| 1980s | 572 | |
| 1970s | 577 | |
| 1960s | 873 | |
| 1950s | 1,090 | |
| 1940s | 1,293 | |
| 1930s | 1,705 | |
| 1920s | 2,451 | |
| 1910s | 1,719 | |
| 1900s | 334 | |
| 1890s | 244 | |
| 1880s | 124 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Basil mean?
From Greek 'basileios', meaning 'kingly, royal', derived from 'basileus' ('king'). Carried by Saint Basil the Great. The sense is the adjective 'royal/kingly' rather than the noun 'king'. (The herb shares the same root.)
Names like Basil
greek names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Basil
Popular greek names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Basil
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Basil mean?
Basil means kingly, royal. From Greek 'basileios', meaning 'kingly, royal', derived from 'basileus' ('king'). Carried by Saint Basil the Great. The sense is the adjective 'royal/kingly' rather than the noun 'king'. (The herb shares the same root.)
What is the origin of the name Basil?
Basil is of greek origin.
How do you pronounce Basil?
Basil is pronounced “BAZ-il.”
Is Basil a boy or a girl name?
Basil is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Basil a popular name right now?
Basil is rarely given today, but saw real use in the past — it peaked back in 1924.
How popular is the name Basil?
In 2025, Basil ranked #2022 · U.S. boys and #5432 · U.S. girls in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Basil most popular?
Basil was most popular in 1924, when about 281 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What names are similar to Basil?
Names similar to Basil include Isidore, Evander, Perseus, Dimitri, Draco.
What names go well with Basil?
greek names that pair well with Basil include Christopher, Cynthia, Andrew, Helen, Timothy.