Basil

Name of several early saints, particularly in the Orthodox Church, from Latin Basilius, from Ancient Greek Βασίλειος (Basíleios). Doublet of Vasilios.

• IPA^(key): /ˈbæz.əl/
• Rhymes: -æzəl

Basil

1. A male given name from Ancient Greek, in quiet but steady use in the UK.
   • 1866, Eliza Tabor Stephenson, Hester's Sacrifice, volume II, Hust and Blackett, page 28:

     "Nonsense. I'm sure he can't have grey hair with such a pretty name as that. Basil Brooke, Basil Brooke," and May chanted the name over and over in her girlish, musical voice. "It sounds like all sorts of pleasant pictures. - -

• Diminutives: Baz, Bazza

• Bails, Blais, Salib, bails, labis, sabil