Declining since 2000, #7,194 for boys today.
Popularity of Basel since 1914
Babies named Basel per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2000, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Basel's real moment was 1914.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 36 |
| 1920s | 60 |
| 1930s | 5 |
| 1940s | 10 |
| 1950s | 6 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 7 |
| 1980s | 22 |
| 1990s | 93 |
| 2000s | 121 |
| 2010s | 123 |
| 2020s | 69 |
Meaning & origin
If you are considering the name Basel for your son, you may be drawn to its short, strong sound and its obscure origins. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1914, the same year it reached its peak rank of 7,194, indicating that it has never been widely used. Since 2000, its popularity has been falling, contributing to its rarity today. While its etymology is debated, the possible connections to the Arabic name Basil and the Swiss city give it a multicultural appeal. Basel remains a unique choice for parents seeking a name with a quiet, international resonance.
The name Basel is of uncertain origin. It may be a variant of the Arabic name Basil, derived from the root 'basala' meaning 'to be brave'. Alternatively, it could be a reference to the city of Basel in Switzerland, which itself comes from the Old High German word 'basilla' meaning 'little' or 'humble'. The name has seen sporadic use in the United States since the early 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bas
Variants: Basil
Sibling names for Basel
Names that share Basel's style, for a brother or sister.
