_Christian Names_ (Vol. vii., pp. 406. 626.).--On the name of Besilius
Fetiplace, Sheriff of Berkshire, in 26 Elizabeth, Fuller remarks,--
"Some may colourably mistake it for _Basilius_ or _Basil_, whereas
indeed it is _Besil_, a surname.... Reader, I am confident an instance
can hardly be produced of a surname made Christian, in England, save
since the Reformation; before which time the priests were scrupulous to
admit any at font, except they were baptised with the name of a
Scripture or legendary saint. Since, it hath been common; and although
the Lord Coke was pleased to say he had noted many of them prove
unfortunate, yet the good success in others confutes the general truth
of the observation."--_Worthies_, vol. i. pp. 159, 160., edit. Nuttall.