Basil Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Basil is a name of Greek origin, derived from the word for 'king' or 'royal'. It evolved through various languages and has historical significance linked to Saint Basil the Great. It embodies traits of nobility and leadership, with a biblical connection through the saint. The name has a positive modern image and is also associated with the culinary herb.
The name Basil is most popular in West Virginia, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Basil has been stalled for male in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Basil' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 373rd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 461st out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 697th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1026th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1372nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2235th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2172nd out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 7503rd out of 9107 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 17159th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 5581st out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Basil' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Basil"
Pronunciation
/ˈbæz.əl/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Basil originates from the Greek word 'basileus', meaning 'king' or 'royal'. It was used in honor of Saint Basil the Great, a Christian bishop and theologian.
Meaning
king, royal
Language Evolution
Βασίλειος (Basileios) in Greek, Basil in Latin, Basil in Old French
Biblical Background
The name Basil is associated with Saint Basil the Great, who is venerated in the Christian tradition.
Historical Usage
The name Basil gained popularity in the Christian world during the early centuries of the Church, particularly due to the influence of Saint Basil.
Variants & Derivatives
Basile, Basilio, Basilus
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Basil is viewed positively and is often associated with qualities of leadership and nobility. It is also recognized as a name for the fragrant herb.
Famous People
Saint Basil the Great, Basil Rathbone, Basil II of the Byzantine Empire
Explore More Basil Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Basil"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Basil"
"Basil" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 373rd of 7545 | 4,038 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 461st of 6773 | 2,925 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 697th of 7552 | 2,103 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1026th of 10718 | 999 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1372nd of 16616 | 997 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 2235th of 24088 | 847 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 2172nd of 23106 | 781 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 7503rd of 9107 | 12 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 17159th of 35406 | 58 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 5581st of 30306 | 273 |
Regional Popularity of "Basil" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
21.47% 304th/1416 |
24.00% 331st/1379 |
16.74% 396th/2366 |
51.75% 591st/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
25.03% 387th/1546 |
21.85% 340th/1556 |
22.82% 537th/2353 |
45.31% 701st/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
30.44% 678th/2227 |
22.30% 542nd/2430 |
29.23% 834th/2853 |
30.99% 860th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
37.45% 1100th/2937 |
21.82% 760th/3483 |
45.76% 1610th/3518 |
36.52% 1477th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
46.59% 1717th/3685 |
18.97% 849th/4475 |
34.94% 1815th/5194 |
27.42% 1732nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
44.61% 2044th/4582 |
35.98% 1858th/5164 |
41.91% 3065th/7313 |
32.47% 2423rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
54.37% 2166th/3984 |
38.78% 1740th/4487 |
49.15% 3353rd/6822 |
38.61% 2423rd/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Basil" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
100.00% 6822nd/6822 |
100.00% 6276th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Basil"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Basil" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.