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🇬🇷 Greek · Boy

Basil

Meaning: Royal, kingly

On the rise
See if your partner loves “Basil” too
Syllables
2
Length
5 letters
Starts with
B
Ends with
l

Is Basil a popular baby name?

Popularity trend for Basil

BabyGen interest index
0255075100701990s752000s802010s912020s

The chart shows BabyGen’s relative interest index for Basil across the past four decades. It blends search trends, naming-pattern signals, and our internal dataset — useful as a relative gauge, not an official census rank.

About the name Basil

Origin
Greek
Gender
Boy
Meaning
Royal, kingly
Syllables
2
Length
5 letters

Origin & history of Basil

Basil comes from a greek naming tradition. Greek names carry the weight of mythology, philosophy, and over three millennia of civilization. Most travel effortlessly into English — short vowels, clear consonants — while carrying meanings that reference gods, heroes, and natural phenomena.

Within that tradition, Basil stands out for its meaning — Royal, kingly — and for being recognizable across borders. Parents outside the original culture often pick Basil because it carries genuine history while still being easy to spell and say in everyday English.

Middle name ideas for Basil

Middles that balance Basil’s rhythm — shorter if Basil is long, longer if Basil is short — and read well together when spoken.

Names like Basil

Frequently asked questions about Basil

What does the name Basil mean?+

Basil means "Royal, kingly". It's a greek boy's name with a clear, well-documented meaning that has carried through generations.

Where does the name Basil come from?+

Basil has Greek origins. Greek names carry the weight of mythology, philosophy, and over three millennia of civilization. Most travel effortlessly into English — short vowels, clear consonants — while carrying meanings that reference gods, heroes, and natural phenomena.

Is Basil a boy's or girl's name?+

Basil is most commonly used as a boy's name. Boys' usage is the dominant convention in the regions where the name is popular.

How do you pronounce Basil?+

Basil has 2 syllables. It's pronounced phonetically — read it as written, with the stress on the first syllable.

Is Basil a popular baby name?+

Basil sits in a comfortable spot — recognizable without being overused. Parents looking for a name with meaning, easy pronunciation, and cultural depth often shortlist it. See the popularity trend chart above for how interest has shifted across recent decades.

What are good middle names for Basil?+

Middle names that pair well with Basil tend to balance its rhythm — if Basil is short, a longer middle reads well; if it's long, a one-syllable middle keeps the full name crisp. See the suggested middle names below.

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