"royal, kingly"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
Basil
Pronunciation: [ b-AZ-uhl ]
Does Basil flow with your last name?
A royal Greek name with unexpected gender-bending cool
English
Greek
Arabic
Vintage
Sophisticated
Bold
Literary
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"brave, bold"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Arabic
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The Story of Basil
Basil comes from the Greek Basileios, derived from basileus meaning king. While historically used almost exclusively for boys — with notable bearers including Saint Basil the Great — Basil has emerged as a gender-neutral and feminine choice among parents seeking vintage botanical-adjacent names. The herb shares this name, adding an earthy, culinary dimension.
Basil as a girls name is part of the broader trend of classic boys names crossing over to girls, similar to names like James, Elliott, or Jasper used for daughters. It appeals to parents seeking something unexpected and distinctive with historic weight.
In Eastern Orthodox Christianity, Saint Basil the Great is one of the most revered figures, making the name deeply significant in Greek, Russian, and Eastern European Christian traditions. On girls, it carries a rebellious elegance that appeals to modern parents.
Historical Record
Basil first appeared in US Social Security records in 2006.
Over 331 babies have been named Basil in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Basil is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #6,357 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Basil has been used as a given name since at least the 4th century AD
- The culinary herb basil gets its name from the same Greek root, meaning it is literally a royal herb
- Saint Basil the Great of Caesarea is considered one of the three Cappadocian Fathers of early Christianity
Basil in Other Languages
Greek
Βασιλική
Arabic
باسل
Italian
Basilia
Russian
Василиса (Vasilisa)
Spanish
Basilia
Popularity Over Time
#6,357
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Basil
B
Basil Rathbone
Actor
1892
South African-born British actor famous for playing Sherlock Holmes
B
Basil Exposition Fictional
Other
Character in Austin Powers films played by Michael York
B
Basil Hallward Fictional
Other
Character in Oscar Wildes The Picture of Dorian Gray, the painter who creates the magical portrait
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Compare Basil with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #6,357
- Total SSA Count
- 19
- Cultural Origins
- English Greek Arabic
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Baz
Bas
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Basil
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Basil is also used as a boy name, ranked #2026.
View Basil as a boy name →Similar Names
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Germanic/Latin origin
"whole and gracious, universal grace"
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Classical Arabic rand origin
"fragrant tree, aromatic plant"
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"intense happiness, bliss"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Basil
What does the name Basil mean?
"royal, kingly" (from Greek). "brave, bold" (from Arabic). Basil comes from the Greek Basileios, derived from basileus meaning king. While historically used almost exclusively for boys — with notable bearers including Saint Basil the Great — Basil has emerged as a gender-neutral and feminine choice among parents seeking vintage botanical-adjacent names. The herb shares this name, adding an earthy, culinary dimension.
What is the origin of the name Basil?
Basil has Greek, Arabic, and English origins. In Greek, it means "royal, kingly". In Arabic, it means "brave, bold".
Is Basil a boy or girl name?
Basil is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #6357. As a boy name, it is ranked #2026. Basil is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Basil?
Basil is pronounced b-AZ-uhl.
How popular is the name Basil?
Basil is currently ranked #6357 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Basil?
Common nicknames for Basil include Baz and Bas.
What are good middle names for Basil?
Popular middle name pairings include Basil Rose, Basil Jane, Basil Mae, Basil Claire, Basil Pearl, and Basil Iris.
What are good sibling names for Basil?
Names that pair well with Basil as siblings include Jasper, Clementine, Rufus, Ottoline, Caspian, and Wren.
How many syllables does Basil have?
Basil has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Basil a common or rare name?
Basil is an uncommon name, ranked #6357 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Basil
Basil is a girl name with English, Greek, and Arabic origins . The name means "royal, kingly" in Greek .
Is Basil a boy or girl name? Basil is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #6,357 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #2,026. Basil is more commonly used as a boy name.
Basil is currently ranked #6,357 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Basil has 2 syllables and is pronounced b-AZ-uhl, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Basil include Baz and Bas. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis