Holding steady.
Popularity of Basilia since 1912
Babies named Basilia per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1922, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Basilia's real moment was 1931.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 42 |
| 1920s | 78 |
| 1930s | 47 |
| 1940s | 23 |
| 1950s | 10 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 17 |
| 1980s | 10 |
| 1990s | 16 |
| 2000s | 29 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Basilia, the feminine counterpart of Basil, has a history of rare but consistent use in the United States since at least 1912, the year it was first recorded. The name saw its peak usage in 1931, during the 1930s decade, but has since declined into obscurity. In recent years, it has not ranked among the top 1000 names, and as of 2025, its one-in-N occurrence (the inverse of its popularity per million births) is effectively 0, indicating fewer than 5 births per year. Despite its low current usage, Basilia remains a distinctive choice with strong classical roots and a royal meaning, appealing to those seeking a name with historical depth and spiritual resonance.
Basilia is the feminine form of the Greek name Basileios, meaning 'royal' or 'kingly'. It was borne by a 4th-century saint and martyr, and the name has been used occasionally in Christian cultures, particularly in Eastern Orthodox traditions. Its use in the United States peaked in the early 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Basia, Silia
Variants: Basilea
Sibling names for Basilia
Names that share Basilia's style, for a brother or sister.
