It's funny your grandfather lives in the UK because when I heard the name I immediately thought of a witty english man hehe
I like it, it's different, not common and would be very cute for a little boy and more refined for an older man. I think a kid makes their name what it is. If your son is cool, quirky or whatever if he is a Basil it will suit him to a tee, I say if you love it do it but just don't ask too many opinions from ppl, we made that mistake and ended up feeling apprehensive about naming DD what we have chosen, but we decided we love it and regardless we are naming her that and ppl will have to love it or zip it!