Basil
Name of several early saints, particularly in the Orthodox Church, from Latin Basilius, from Ancient Greek Βασίλειος (Basíleios).
Every Basil since 1880 — 13,538 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Basil
Basil is rare for boys in the United States, ranked #2,022 in 2025 with 74 babies given the name. It is currently rising compared with a decade ago.
Since 1880, 13,538 American babies have been named Basil. Its peak came in 1924, when 281 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1920s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Basil stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Basil year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Girls | Girls rank | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 23 | #5,432 | 74 | #2,022 |
| 2024 | 19 | #6,205 | 76 | #2,015 |
| 2023 | 24 | #5,273 | 74 | #2,033 |
| 2022 | 28 | #4,813 | 88 | #1,828 |
| 2021 | 29 | #4,634 | 74 | #2,002 |
| 2020 | 18 | #6,363 | 58 | #2,326 |
| 2019 | 28 | #4,789 | 71 | #2,048 |
| 2018 | 26 | #5,033 | 69 | #2,066 |
| 2017 | 25 | #5,209 | 59 | #2,244 |
| 2016 | 22 | #5,823 | 60 | #2,234 |
| 2015 | 16 | #7,331 | 52 | #2,430 |
| 2014 | 17 | #7,036 | 44 | #2,712 |
| 2013 | 21 | #6,047 | 56 | #2,283 |
| 2012 | 21 | #6,147 | 46 | #2,639 |
| 2011 | 7 | #13,582 | 44 | #2,706 |
| 2010 | 11 | #9,883 | 47 | #2,583 |
| 2009 | 7 | #13,916 | 57 | #2,292 |
| 2008 | 5 | #17,935 | 31 | #3,490 |
| 2007 | — | — | 58 | #2,258 |
| 2006 | 7 | #13,800 | 64 | #2,065 |
| 2005 | — | — | 48 | #2,400 |
| 2004 | — | — | 41 | #2,604 |
| 2003 | — | — | 57 | #2,010 |
| 2002 | — | — | 57 | #1,945 |
| 2001 | — | — | 60 | #1,842 |
| 2000 | — | — | 64 | #1,743 |
| 1995 | — | — | 65 | #1,479 |
| 1990 | — | — | 69 | #1,337 |
| 1985 | — | — | 45 | #1,487 |
| 1980 | — | — | 60 | #1,179 |
| 1975 | — | — | 58 | #1,099 |
| 1970 | — | — | 64 | #1,016 |
| 1965 | — | — | 82 | #816 |
| 1960 | — | — | 110 | #733 |
| 1955 | — | — | 103 | #720 |
| 1950 | — | — | 113 | #658 |
| 1945 | — | — | 101 | #603 |
| 1940 | — | — | 140 | #490 |
| 1935 | — | — | 175 | #417 |
| 1930 | — | — | 219 | #386 |
| 1925 | — | — | 259 | #370 |
| 1920 | — | — | 243 | #383 |
| 1915 | — | — | 243 | #339 |
| 1910 | — | — | 46 | #383 |
| 1905 | — | — | 30 | #384 |
| 1900 | — | — | 37 | #359 |
| 1895 | — | — | 22 | #416 |
| 1890 | — | — | 17 | #436 |
| 1885 | — | — | 14 | #500 |
| 1880 | — | — | 11 | #572 |
Famous people named Basil
- Basil of Caesarea Physician · 329–379
- Basil I Politician · 811–886
- Basil II Politician · 958–1025
- Basil Fool for Christ Religious figure · 1468–1552
- Basil Zaharoff Businessperson · 1849–1936
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Basil mean?
Name of several early saints, particularly in the Orthodox Church, from Latin Basilius, from Ancient Greek Βασίλειος (Basíleios).
How popular is the name Basil in 2025?
Basil ranked #2,022 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 74 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Basil?
13,538 babies have been named Basil in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Basil most popular?
Basil peaked in 1924, when 281 newborns received the name.
Is Basil a boy or girl name?
Basil is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 97% of babies with the name.
Is the name Basil rising or falling?
Basil is on the rise — noticeably more popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Basil?
Well-known people named Basil include Basil of Caesarea (physician), Basil I (politician), Basil II (politician).