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Home › Baby Names Directory › Basil

Basil

♀ Girl

Pronounced BAZ-il /ˈbæz.ɪl/High

Meaning: From Greek basileios, 'kingly, royal' (and the fragrant basil herb, 'the royal herb'); predominantly a boys' name; here for girlsLow

In 30 seconds: Kingly; the basil herb: Basil is Greek for 'royal' (and the herb). Crisp, fresh, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for girls; said 'BAZ-il').
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Origin LowGreek
MeaningFrom Greek basileios, 'kingly, royal' (and the fragrant basil herb, 'the royal herb'); predominantly a boys' name; here for girls
U.S. rank (2025)#5432 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births23 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2021
Total births (all-time)≈ 366

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202119192025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Basil comes from Greek basileios, 'kingly, royal' (from basileus, 'a king') — and names the fragrant basil herb, long called 'the royal herb'. A crisp, fresh, vintage name, predominantly boys' (St Basil the Great), used here for girls in the modern herb-name vogue (slug distinguished; nickname Baz).

It registers thinly for girls. Rare for girls, kingly-and-the-basil-herb at the root, and fresh.

Did you know? Basil means 'kingly, royal' (Greek basileios) — and names the fragrant basil herb ('the royal herb') — a crisp, fresh name, predominantly boys', here for girls (said 'BAZ-il').
Overall data confidence 52%
Behind the Name — Basil — root etymology

Variations

BasiliaBasiaBazil

Nicknames

Baz

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Basil…

Sage— a fellow herb girls' name
Clover— a companion plant girls' name
Juniper— another plant girls' name
Rosemary— another herb girls' name

Explore names like Basil

By themegreekunisex
By meaningRoyal / Noble

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Basil mean?

Basil is Greek for 'kingly, royal'; it also names the basil herb, 'the royal herb'.

How do you pronounce Basil?

It's said BAZ-il /ˈbæz.ɪl/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Basil a boy or girl name?

Basil is used for both sexes (predominantly boys'); this page covers its use as a girl's name.

How popular is Basil?

Basil is rare for girls in the U.S.

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