Basilia is a unique and distinctive name of Greek origin. It is derived from the ancient Greek word "basilikos," which means "royal" or "pertaining to a king." In ancient Greece, this term was often used as an epithet for royalty and high-ranking individuals.
The name Basilia is thought to have been first used during the Byzantine Empire, where it was associated with the royal court. It gained popularity among the nobility and eventually spread throughout the Greek-speaking world.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures who bore the name Basilia. One of the most famous was Empress Basilia, who ruled as a co-emperor alongside her husband, Emperor Leo VI, in the 9th century AD. Despite her prominent role in Byzantine politics, little is known about her life or reign.
Today, Basilia remains relatively rare outside of Greece and other countries with Greek-speaking populations. However, it has been gaining some attention in recent years as parents seek out unique and meaningful names for their children. Whether you're drawn to its historical significance, royal connotations, or simply appreciate its beautiful sound, choosing the name Basilia is sure to make your child stand out from the crowd.
The name Basilia has been given to a total of 272 babies born in the United States over several decades. The popularity of this name varied greatly throughout the years, with some years seeing as many as 15 births and others only one or two.
The peak years for the name Basilia were between 1920 and 1931, during which time there were consistently more than five births each year. The highest number of births in a single year was recorded in 1922 with 15 births.
However, after the 1930s, the name Basilia became less popular, with fewer than ten births per year on average. There were even some years, such as 1941 and 1950, where only five babies were named Basilia.
More recently, there has been a slight resurgence in the use of this name, with seven births recorded in both 2004 and 2016. Despite this, the name Basilia remains relatively uncommon compared to other names.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Basilia has fluctuated over time, it continues to be chosen by parents for their daughters, albeit in smaller numbers than more popular names.