The surname Basaglia presents a not completely defined origin, although it is found mainly in northeastern Italy. According to E. Rossoni, it is not possible to specify its etymology with certainty beyond its geographical distribution, but he highlights its association with relevant figures such as the Venetian psychiatrist Franco Basaglia, promoter of law 180 of 1978 that reformed the Italian psychiatric system.

For his part, F. De Laurentiis proposes a more concrete interpretation, noting that it could be an altered form of Basile, derived from the name Basilio, whose meaning is "regal" or "royal". In this case, the surname would have an anthroponymic origin, linked to a personal name of prestige in the Christian tradition.

Finally, F. De Laurentiis also considers a possible toponymic derivation, in particular from the place Basaglia in the province of Udine. Taken together, the various hypotheses show a surname of open origin, which may have developed both from a personal name and from a place name, with a regional diffusion characteristic of the Italian northeast.