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.
Etymology & Cultural Background
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
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 281 peak births in 1924
Geographic Spread
Popular across 34 US states, with strongest presence in West Virginia
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (1 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 1 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
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
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 by Generation - 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 by Generation - 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
This map shows relative popularity 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.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in West Virginia 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, usage 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, popularity patterns vary significantly: 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. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.