Basel is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin, meaning "to remove" or "take away." It is derived from the Hebrew word "basal," which can also mean "head" or "beginning." The name Basel has a long and rich history dating back to biblical times.
In the Old Testament, Basel was the name of one of Jacob's sons by his wife Zilpah. According to the story, Basel was born during a difficult journey when Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife, had died giving birth to Benjamin. Jacob named Basel saying, "For with great wrestlings have I wrestled with God, and have prevailed." This biblical origin gives the name Basel a profound and symbolic meaning.
In more recent history, Basel has become closely associated with Switzerland. The city of Basel, located on the Rhine River in northern Switzerland, is named after the ancient Celtic tribe that settled there before the Roman conquest. The city's name, which means "place where the rivers meet," has been transliterated into various forms over time, including Basel and Basle.
Basel as a given name has gained popularity in several cultures beyond its Hebrew roots. In Switzerland, Germany, and other parts of Europe, Basel is often used as a masculine given name, reflecting the city's influence on the region's culture and history. Additionally, it has been adopted by other cultures as well, such as those speaking Arabic and Turkish.
In summary, Basel is a Hebrew name with a deep biblical connection that has evolved over time to become associated with a prominent Swiss city. Its meaning, "to remove" or "take away," offers an intriguing symbolic interpretation, while its historical ties provide an engaging narrative for parents choosing this unique name for their child.
The given statistics show the number of babies named Basel born in the United States each year from 1914 to 2023. Over this period, there were a total of 530 births.
The name Basel first appeared in the United States in 1914 with eight births that year. The following year, the number decreased to six births, but it rebounded to eight in 1916. This pattern of fluctuation continued throughout the early decades of the 20th century, with the number of annual Basel births ranging from five to ten.
However, starting in the late 1970s, there was a noticeable increase in the popularity of the name Basel. In 1983, there were nine births, marking a significant jump from the previous years' totals. This trend continued throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with the number of annual Basel births often reaching double digits.
The highest point in recent history was reached in 2000, when 21 babies named Basel were born in the United States. Since then, the popularity of the name has remained relatively high, with at least nine births every year until 2023.
Despite some fluctuations over the years, it is clear that the name Basel has been consistently used as a given name for babies in the United States since its first appearance over a century ago.