Basilio is a masculine given name of Latin origin. It means "royal" or "regal," derived from the Latin word 'basilius,' which is itself derived from the Greek word 'basileus.' This Greek word was used to denote a king or ruler.
The name Basilio has been popular throughout history, with several notable figures bearing this name. One of the most famous is Saint Basil the Great, who was a 4th-century bishop and one of the doctors of the Church. He was known for his care for the poor and needy, and his writings on asceticism and monasticism.
Another historical figure named Basilio is Emperor Basil II, also known as "the Bulgar-Slayer," who ruled the Byzantine Empire in the 10th century. He earned this nickname due to his victories over the Bulgarians.
In literature, Basilio has been used as a character name in several works. For instance, it appears in the novel "The House of the Spirits" by Isabel Allende.
Despite its historic and literary significance, Basilio is not one of the most common names today. However, it remains a unique and regal choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Basilio in the United States:
Over the past century, there have been a total of 1,784 babies named Basilio born in the U.S., with an average of approximately 2 births per year. The most popular years for the name were between 1955 and 1976, when there was an increase in its usage. During this period, the highest number of births was recorded in 1976 with 26 babies named Basilio.
However, there has been a decline in the popularity of the name Basilio since the late 1980s. Between 1990 and 2023, there were only 45 births recorded, with an average of less than one birth per year. The most recent years saw a slight increase in its usage, with 12 births in 2022 and 6 births so far in 2023.
It's fascinating to observe how trends in baby names can change over time, reflecting cultural shifts and personal preferences. Despite the decline in popularity of the name Basilio in recent decades, it remains a unique and distinctive choice for parents looking for a less common moniker for their child.