Basil Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis

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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"

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Pronunciation

/ˈbæz.əl/

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Origin

Greek

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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.

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Meaning

king, royal

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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.

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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.

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Variants & Derivatives

Basile, Basilio, Basilus

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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.

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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.