The origins of this surname appear to be descriptive, derived from the Old English word 'bascinet' or 'basynet'. A bascinet is an open-faced medieval helmet, often characterised by a sharply pointed visor. It is suggested that the surname is derived from a metalworker specialising in the crafting of such helmets. This is unlikely, based on the stature of this family and the nature of the adoption of occupational surnames in Britain. It is likely that this surname takes its origin from a man who wore a bascinet in battle. The Basnett family, of Ruyton-XI-Towns, Shropshire featured three bascinets divided by a chevron on their arms. Coats of arms were first used to distinguish knights in battle. Thus to have a coat of arms it is likely that the family was of a minor noble and thus military background.

The Shropshire family of Bassnett, who became wealthy silk merchants and carriage makers in London, appear to be descendants of Lawrence Basnett or Bassett, of Budworth, Cheshire (fl. 1536), an alleged descendant of the noble Basset family of Bewpyr, Wales. The Basnett name cannot be found in Britain before the early 16th century. They held high offices in the military and church, so it is possible the name Basnett was adopted in place of Bassett.

The Benard de Bassanet below appears to be French, possibly taken from Bassinet, in Allier, France. The surname exists in Italy as Bassanetti or Basinetto; and in France as Bassinet.Stolen from Fore bears

• 1441. Bernard de Bassanet, archer: ICMA Muster Roll Database
• 1568. Elizabeth Basnet: Chester Diocese Consistory Court Papers
• 1584. 'Margaret Wigge v. John Basnet saying he would cut the nose off her face': Chester Diocese Consistory Court Papers
• 1597. Roose Bassnete: Report of the Deputy Keeper (Ireland)
• 1602. Edw. Basnede (co. Dublin): Report of the Deputy Keeper (Ireland)
• 1632. 'Randle Wrench of Barnton v. John Basnett saying he committed adultery': Chester Diocese Consistory Court Papers
• 1785. Job Bassnetts: Pickmere Deeds
• 1794. 'Receipt by Dorothy Bassnet of £26 15s interest on £750 due to her from Wm Owen': Motyn-Owen Deeds
• 1842. John Bassinett, of Moreton Wood, Shropshire: PPC Wills

1 the French Bassinet = Bass, (q.v.) + the double diminutive suff.

-in-et.

2 a nick- or trade-name from the light Helmet so called. [Middle English basinet, bas(e)net, O.F. bacinet-bacin, a basin + the diminutive suff. -et] Helm and basnet . . . The scharpe sweord carf bothe.

King Alisaunder (c. A.D. 1300), 2234.

William Birch Basnett, Esq., resided at Llanwarne, Herefordshire, about 1770 (Duncumb's "Herefordshire"): Will. Basnet, the faithful servant of President Bradshawe who condemned Charles I., and presumably a Stockport, or at least a Cheshire man, received £30 according to his master's will (E.).