Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Basil
UnisexGreek· “royal, kingly”
- Meaning
- royal, kingly
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- BAZ-uhl
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,022
- US babies 2025
- 74
- Best rank
- #322 (1897)
- Peak year
- 1924
Meaning and origin of Basil
Basil is a Greek name that means “royal, kingly”.
Basil comes from the Greek basileios, "royal" or "kingly," from basileus, "king." Saint Basil the Great, a fourth-century bishop of Caesarea, is one of the most honored teachers of Eastern Christianity, and the name was borne by Byzantine emperors. The herb basil takes its English name from the same Greek word. Americans usually say BAZ-uhl, while BAZ-il is common in Britain. Basil has a vintage, slightly literary air, and its herb association gives it an earthy note.
Popularity over time
Basil has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 92 different years. Its best national rank was #322 in 1897, and the most babies received it in 1924, when 281 were named Basil. In 2025, 74 babies were named Basil, and it ranked #2,022 nationally. That is 42% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #383 in 1920, #658 in 1950, #1,179 in 1980, #1,743 in 2000, #2,583 in 2010, and #2,022 in 2025. Of the 13,172 US boys named Basil since records began, 19% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 1,719 babies. Since 2010, 992 more have been named Basil.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Elwyn.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Basil ranked highest in Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | #1052 | 5 |
| Pennsylvania | #1117 | 6 |
| California | #2240 | 6 |
| Texas | #2622 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Basil is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 23% of US babies named Basil were girls and 77% were boys.
Basil is usually pronounced BAZ-uhl, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with B and ends in “-il”.
Middle names for Basil
A few middle names that flow with Basil: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Basil
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Lists that include Basil
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Basil mean?
Basil is a Greek name that means “royal, kingly”.
What is the origin of the name Basil?
Basil has Greek roots. Basil comes from the Greek basileios, "royal" or "kingly," from basileus, "king." Saint Basil the Great, a fourth-century bishop of Caesarea, is one of the most honored teachers of Eastern Christianity, and the name was borne by Byzantine emperors.
Is Basil a popular name?
Not especially. Basil ranked #2,022 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Basil a boy or girl name?
Basil is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 23% of US babies named Basil were girls and 77% were boys.
How do you pronounce Basil?
Basil is usually pronounced BAZ-uhl. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings