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.
The name Basilio experienced significant popularity fluctuations over the years, with a notable peak during the late 1940s to mid-1950s, reaching its highest point at 26 births in 1955. However, since the late 1970s, the name's usage has steadily declined, with fewer than 20 births recorded annually from 1983 onwards. The most recent data shows a total of 1784 births for the name Basilio up to 2023.