1. How do you instinctively pronounce this name?
In my head I say BAY-sil, because of the spice. But when I say it out loud I say BA-sil.
2. Have you heard it pronounced more than one way, and if so, is one more common than the other where you live?
I've only ever heard the name pronounced BA-sil.
3. Do you like it?
I'd love to meet a little Basil. :) I don't like it enough to consider using it myself, though.