Find out how popular the first name Basilia has been for the last 35 years (from 1974 to 2008) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Basilia by gender

Based on the last 35 years of data, Basilia is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2008, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Basilia.

The history of the first name Basilia

Basilia is a feminine given name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word "basileus," meaning "king" or "ruler." The name has its roots in ancient Greece, where it was commonly used as a title for monarchs or royalty.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Basilia can be found in the ancient Greek text "Bibliotheca" by Pseudo-Apollodorus, written around the 2nd century AD. In this work, Basilia is mentioned as the daughter of the mythological figure Leucippus.

During the Byzantine Empire, the name Basilia gained popularity among the ruling class and was frequently bestowed upon princesses and noble women. One notable figure with this name was Basilia of Constantinople, who lived in the 9th century AD and was the wife of the Byzantine Emperor Leo VI the Wise.

In the Middle Ages, the name Basilia spread across Europe, particularly in regions influenced by Greek culture and the Eastern Orthodox Church. It was adopted in various spellings, such as Basilia in Italian, Vassilissa in Russian, and Basilisa in Spanish.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Basilia. These include Basilia Paléologue (1246-1301), a Byzantine princess and the wife of the Duke of Naxos, and Basilia Trikoupi (1854-1938), a Greek author and feminist activist.

Another famous Basilia was Basilia Costaki (1835-1905), a Romanian princess and philanthropist known for her charitable work and support of education. In the 20th century, Basilia Shwan (1924-1997) was a renowned Iraqi sculptor and artist, recognized for her contributions to modern art in the Middle East.

While the name Basilia has fallen out of common usage in many parts of the world, it remains a cherished name in certain regions, particularly those with strong ties to Greek culture and the Eastern Orthodox tradition.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Basilia was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Basilia, please contact us.

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