Basil
Meaning
King
Origin
Greek
Pronunciation
/ˈbeɪzəl/
Basil is one of those old-fashioned names that I feel has a real charm to it. It's a name with royal roots, and is a top-notch choice for your well-behaved male dogs.
Oh, and it's not just a fragrant herb, folks! I'm thinking of Basil Rathbone right now -- the suave Sherlock Holmes actor, who lends a dash of sophistication to this name for sure.
Plus, in Greek, Basil means "king," so it's perfect for your regal Rover. And let's not forget Basil of Baker Street, the Sherlock-inspired mouse detective.
So there are tons of reasons to go with Basil, not least if they have a knack for sniffing out hidden treats from behind the couch! It's a name that's equal parts classy, quirky, and cute.
Traits associated with the name Basil:
Basil has an elegant sound to it that really closes the gap between dog and human.
Dogs named Basil tend to be loving, affectionate, good-natured, and strong-willed. This name is also associated with companionship, and intelligence.
What does it say about you to have a dog named Basil?
That you have a creative and unique sense of humor, and that you appreciate the finer things in life.
Is Basil a good dog name?
Basil has two syllables, which is highly recommended by dog trainers. Basil is a widely loved dog name for good reason. If you like it, go for it!
Popularity: Overall
Basil is one of the more popular dog names out there. According to our data, Basil outranks the great majority of names.
Popularity: Historical Trend
Basil was, in the past month, the 259th most viewed dog name on PupNames.com.
As of July 2025, Basil is becoming a more popular moniker with new puppy owners. Our stats show that the name is more fashionable than it was at this time last year.
We've seen quite a lot of variation in rank for this name, which may suggest seasonal factors or interest driven by pop culture events.
In the past week, Basil was viewed 86 times, and liked 2 times.
Popularity: United States
The map below shows Basil's popularity across the United States, according to PupNames data.
Basil is most adored in Maryland, New Mexico and Washington.
By contrast, the name has been shown the least amount of interest in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Delaware.
Popularity: Around The World
And this world map shows which countries have the greatest love for the name Basil.
Most popular breeds named Basil:
- Dachshund
- Labrador Retriever
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Corgi
- Chihuahua
Basil is found in these categories:
old-fashioned
Popular during Victorian times, it's rarely heard in modern dog parks.
cute
Evokes a charming herb, and recalls Fawlty Towers' lovable, bumbling protagonist.
greek
Derived from Greek, meaning royal, kingly, or brave.
posh
Derived from royal herb, it's favored by aristocrats and Downton Abbey fans.
food
Named after a popular herb used in cooking.
nature
Derived from a plant, it's often chosen for dogs due to its earthy, green connotations.
disney
He's named after a detective hound in a popular animated film.
british
Associated with popular British TV character Fawlty and traditional English cooking.
Dog names like Basil:
June 01, 2024 ◆ Translated
September 02, 2022
Let us know what you think of Basil as a dog name!