NameCensus.

UK surname

Basil

A surname derived from the given name Basil, which originates from the Greek word for "royal" or "kingly."

In the 1881 census there were 35 people recorded with the Basil surname, ranking it #28,715 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 126, ranked #26,686, up from #28,715 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Conwy, North Devon and Newport.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Basil is 135 in 2011. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 260.0%.

1881 census count

35

Ranked #28,715

Modern count

126

2016, ranked #26,686

Peak year

2011

135 bearers

Map years

1

2016 to 2016

Key insights

  • Basil had 35 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #28,715 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 126 in 2016, ranked #26,686.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 49 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established Multi-Ethnic Communities.

Basil surname distribution map

The map shows where the Basil surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Basil surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Basil over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 10 #31,497
1861 historical 47 #28,023
1881 historical 35 #28,715
1891 historical 32 #31,754
1901 historical 39 #29,799
1911 historical 49 #27,894
1997 modern 78 #29,785
1998 modern 78 #30,192
1999 modern 84 #29,700
2000 modern 95 #28,441
2001 modern 89 #28,932
2002 modern 88 #29,534
2003 modern 95 #28,536
2004 modern 98 #28,297
2005 modern 104 #27,369
2006 modern 96 #28,946
2007 modern 107 #27,557
2008 modern 119 #26,067
2009 modern 128 #25,427
2010 modern 128 #26,036
2011 modern 135 #24,922
2012 modern 121 #26,829
2013 modern 126 #26,585
2014 modern 128 #26,490
2015 modern 129 #26,226
2016 modern 126 #26,686

Geography

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Where Basils are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around No data. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Conwy, North Devon, Newport, Bristol and Cheshire West and Chester. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 No data No data

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Conwy 006 Conwy
2 North Devon 008 North Devon
3 Newport 016 Newport
4 Bristol 051 Bristol, City of
5 Cheshire West and Chester 004 Cheshire West and Chester

Forenames

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First names often paired with Basil

These lists show first names that appear often with the Basil surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Basil

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Basil, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities

Group

Established Multi-Ethnic Communities

Nationally, the Basil surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Established Multi-Ethnic Communities, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Basil household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Parents and young children in this Group are drawn from diverse ethnic backgrounds in broadly similar proportions. Employment is typically in elementary occupations, though workers in professional, intermediate or skilled trades occupations are also present. The residential landscape is dominated by terraced housing, although semi-detached houses and flats are also present. This Group is found in London and in many provincial towns and cities throughout the U.K.

Wider pattern

Young adults, many of whom are students, predominate in these high-density and overcrowded neighbourhoods of rented terrace houses or flats. Most ethnic minorities are present in these communities, as are people born in European countries that are not part of the EU. Students aside, low skilled occupations predominate, and unemployment rates are above average. Overall, the mix of students and more sedentary households means that neighbourhood average numbers of children are not very high. The Mixed or Multiple ethnic group composition of neighbourhoods is often associated with low rates of affiliation to Christian religions. This Supergroup predominates in non-central urban locations the UK, particularly within England in the Midlands and the outskirts of west, south and north-east London.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Terraced and Semi-Detached Suburbs

Within London, Basil is most associated with areas classed as Terraced and Semi-Detached Suburbs, part of Young Families and Mainstream Employment. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Mainly concentrated in suburban areas, these terraced and semi-detached developments are less overcrowded than the Supergroup average, and resident households are more likely to own two or more cars. There are fewer residents aged 25-44, and a larger share of residents employed in administrative and secretarial occupations. Residents are more likely to have been born in the UK, less likely to have been born in the EU or Africa, and much less likely to self-identify as Bangladeshi.

Wider London pattern

Many families in these neighbourhoods have young children. Housing is principally in the social rented sector, in terraced or semi-detached units. While over-all residential densities are low, overcrowding is also prevalent locally. Residents are drawn from a range of ethnic minorities, with many identifying as Black and above average numbers born in Africa. Numbers identifying as of Chinese, Indian or White ethnicity are below average. Levels of proficiency in English are below average. Levels of separation or divorce and incidence of disability are both above average. Education is typically limited to Level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. Few residents work in professional or managerial occupations but the employment structure is otherwise diverse: it includes skilled trades, caring, leisure and other service occupations, sales and customer service occupations, construction, and work as process, plant, and machine operatives.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Basil is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Basil falls in decile 10 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the less deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

10
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Basil is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 50-60 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

8
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
Other Ethnic Group

This describes the area pattern most associated with Basil, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Basil

The surname "BASIL" originated in Greece during ancient times. It derives from the Greek word "basileus", meaning "king" or "sovereign". This suggests that the name may have been given to individuals of royal or noble lineage.

In the early medieval period, the name appears in various records and manuscripts from the Byzantine Empire. One notable example is a 10th century chronicle that mentions a Byzantine general named Basil Argyros, who led troops against the Bulgarians.

As the name spread across Europe, it took on different spellings and variations, such as "Basile" in French and "Basilio" in Italian. One of the earliest recorded uses of the surname is found in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists a landowner named Basil in Gloucestershire, England.

In the 13th century, a prominent Italian family known as the Basilii rose to prominence in the city of Pavia. They were influential in the political and ecclesiastical affairs of the region, and several members held positions of power within the Catholic Church.

During the Renaissance, the surname "BASIL" was associated with several notable figures. Basil Bessarion (1403-1472) was a Greek scholar and Cardinal who played a significant role in the reunification efforts between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. Another notable individual was Basil Valentine (c. 1394-c. 1492), a German philosopher and alchemist who made important contributions to the development of chemistry.

In the 16th century, the name appeared in the records of the English gentry. Sir Basil Brooke (c. 1576-1646) was a prominent landowner and Member of Parliament for Nottinghamshire. Another notable figure was Basil Fielding (1584-1653), an English lawyer and politician who served as Lord Keeper of the Great Seal.

The surname "BASIL" has also been associated with several literary figures. Basil Overbury (1597-1668) was an English poet and clergyman, while Basil Hall (1788-1844) was a Scottish naval officer and travel writer known for his accounts of voyages in the Pacific.

Throughout its history, the surname "BASIL" has been carried by individuals from diverse backgrounds, including royalty, military leaders, scholars, and artists, reflecting its ancient Greek roots and association with nobility and authority.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Basil families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Basil surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Hertfordshire leads with 13 Basils recorded in 1881 and an index of 53.72x.

County Total Index
Hertfordshire 13 53.72x
Essex 6 8.66x
Cumberland 4 13.23x
Middlesex 4 1.14x
Bedfordshire 2 11.00x
Surrey 2 1.17x
Buckinghamshire 1 4.71x
Channel Islands 1 9.61x
Dorset 1 4.34x
Monmouthshire 1 3.94x
Yorkshire 1 0.29x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Sawbridgeworth in Hertfordshire leads with 9 Basils recorded in 1881 and an index of 2432.43x.

Place Total Index
Sawbridgeworth 9 2432.43x
Epping 4 1428.57x
Bushey 3 517.24x
Luton 2 63.49x
Rickergate 2 312.50x
Shoreditch London 2 13.14x
St Cuthbert Within 2 571.43x
Theydon Garnon 2 1250.00x
Battersea 1 7.74x
Camberwell 1 4.46x
Christchurch 1 126.58x
Hendon 1 79.37x
Langton Long Blandford 1 3333.33x
Leconfield Arram 1 2500.00x
St Lawrence 1 357.14x
St Pancras London 1 3.54x
Upton Cum Chalvey 1 117.65x
Watford 1 53.19x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Basil surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Mary 4
Elizh. 2
Sarah 2
Susan 2
Agnes 1
Caroline 1
Ellen 1
Emma 1
Fanny 1
Florence 1
Gertie 1
Julia 1
Louisa 1
Maria 1
Minnie 1

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Basil surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
William 3
George 2
James 2
Thomas 2
Allan 1
Charles 1
Hubert 1
Jonathan 1
Richard 1
Robert 1

Top occupations

Occupational titles are kept as recorded and later transcribed, so related jobs, spelling variants and mistakes stay separate. Scholar was the census term for a child in education. That means the other rows often tell you more about adult work in Basil households.

FAQ

Basil surname: questions and answers

How common was the Basil surname in 1881?

In 1881, 35 people were recorded with the Basil surname. That placed it at #28,715 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Basil surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 126 in 2016. That gives Basil a modern rank of #26,686.

What does the Basil surname mean?

A surname derived from the given name Basil, which originates from the Greek word for "royal" or "kingly."

What does the Basil map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Basil bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.