Basil

[gregorisnotmyname]

DP and I love this name but reactions have tended to come down on the "it's a herb" side. I just think it's a name that'll age well - cute baby, cool teenager, charming gent and sweet old man. Please tell me there's someone else out there who appreciates Basil and not in a culinary way...?

[GinPalace]

I quite like it. I have only ever met one Basil I didn't like him, but I still like the name so it must be good to survive the association!

I suggested it to DH for dc2 due in Oct - he didn't mention herbs (not the cooking type) he did veto it on the basis of a certain comedy fox however.

If Dh had liked it too like your does I think it would be one of the current front runners.

[MoaningMinnieRisesAgain]

It's makes me think BOOM BOOM

[McKayz]

I instantly think of Basil Fawlty and then start laughing. Sorry.

[Pasiphae]

I do!
I really like this name. Very charming indeed.
Fawlty Towers is bound to be mentionned too.

[madwomanintheattic]

Um. I think you are too young to hear Sybil Fawlty shrieking in your ear, tbh. But this will be immediately rectified when you tell anyone over the age of 35 what you have called your baby.

Another twenty years and basil will be cool. But seventies TV is ubiquitous...

[welliesandpyjamas]

First, I think Brush, and then I think Faulty...then I think tomato salad. It has a nice sound and other 'herb names' can work. As with all names, once it has a person to match it, it sounds much better than in isolation.

[madwomanintheattic]

Ha, I'd forgotten basil brush. But yeeees. It could get really tedious!

[gregorisnotmyname]

Ooh I just wikipedia-d it and apparently it means "royal or kingly" not "fragrant, good in sauces". BONUS.

[FunnysInLaJardin]

I used to have a cat called Basil. Good cats name IMO

[gregorisnotmyname]

Oh and whilst I understand the power of the fawlty/brush connection, can I also put a word in for the ever so charming Basil Rathbone?

[McKayz]

I think I'd struggle to not have a mental image of John Cleese goose stepping. I'm only 26 so I think younger people might think Fawlty Towers too.

[Ouroboros]

I love it, and want to use it (am pregnant now, but have been suggesting it since last pg) but my husband has vetoed it! Might have to sneak it in as a middle name. I've got a book about an archaeologist called Basil Brown, which I think is a great name.

[lisaro]

I can only ever think of that name said in Sybil Fawlty's voice.

[Selks]

Terrible.

[GinPalace]

it means "royal or kingly" not "fragrant, good in sauces". BONUS.

Think I may have to have another go at persuading DH.

[LeBOF]

I think of Basil the Rat. While I quite like the name, round here he would be known as Baz or Bazza, and I couldn't live with that.

[akaemmafrost]

God No!

[madwomanintheattic]

Gosh, yeah, that rathbone chap I've never heard of is the obvious connection...

[DialMforMummy]

I quite like it.

[McKayz]

Yes Basil Rathbone whose first name was actually Phillip!! Not Basil.

[Kveta]

I think Basil the rat too. Immediate Fawlty Towers connection! (and am under 35!)

[Scoobyblue]

Really don't like it. Sorry.

[CaseySchraeger]

DH liked Basil for a hypothetical DS2 (he too thought Rathbone rather than Fawlty). I looked at him like this --> and only had girls from that point on just to be on the safe side.

[Janoschi]

I think Basil Rathbone. Which is a Good Thing.

I had it on my list because I sort of wanted the chance to use Buzz as a nickname. But I love it in it's own right. It feels very 30s to me.

Got a daughter though so you can have Basil!

[keepthechangeyoufilthyanimal]

You say Basil, I hear:

Brush
Fawlty
Herb

in that order. Sorry