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Sebastian

♂ Boy

Pronounced suh-BAS-chun /səˈbæs.tʃən/High

Meaning: From Sebastia (a city in Asia Minor); venerable; revered; from Greek sebastosHigh

In 30 seconds: From the Greek for 'venerable' and a city in Asia Minor, Sebastian has a distinguished Roman-era history and a striking sound that has carried it into the modern U.S. top ten.
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Origin HighGreek, Latin
MeaningFrom Sebastia (a city in Asia Minor); venerable; revered; from Greek sebastos
Peak year2016
Total births (all-time)≈ 144,361

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201618812017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Sebastian derives from the Latin Sebastianus, meaning 'from Sebastia,' an ancient city in Pontus (modern Turkey). The city's name comes from the Greek sebastos (σεβαστός), meaning 'venerable' or 'august' — the same word used to translate the Roman title 'Augustus.' The 3rd-century Roman soldier and Christian martyr St. Sebastian gave the name widespread Christian use.

The name was popular in Catholic countries throughout the medieval and early modern periods. It has been used in English since the 16th century — most famously as a character name in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and The Tempest. In the U.S. it entered the top 100 around 1980 and has climbed to the top 20 in recent years.

Did you know? Saint Sebastian (died c. 288 AD), a Roman soldier and Christian martyr, is one of the most depicted saints in Western art — traditionally shown tied to a post and pierced with arrows, yet miraculously surviving, a symbol of endurance of faith.

Variations

SebastiánSebastianoBastianBastien

Nicknames

SebBastiBashBastian

Famous Bearers

  • ★Saint Sebastian (died c. 288 AD)
    Roman soldier and Christian martyr, extensively depicted in Renaissance art.
  • ★Sebastian Bach (1964–)
    Canadian rock singer, frontman of Skid Row.
  • ★Sebastian Vettel (1987–)
    German racing driver, four-time Formula One world champion.

If you like Sebastian…

Theodore— shares the distinguished multi-syllable classical feel
Oliver— equally literary classic with strong modern appeal
Mateo— shares the Latin/Mediterranean heritage
Julian— another smooth Latin classic in the top ranks
Gabriel— similarly elegant biblical classic with nickname versatility

Frequently Asked

What does the name Sebastian mean?

Sebastian means 'from Sebastia,' a city in ancient Asia Minor, from the Greek sebastos meaning 'venerable' or 'august.'

How do you pronounce Sebastian?

Sebastian is said suh-BAS-chun /səˈbæs.tʃən/ — four syllables, with stress on the second.

Is Sebastian a boy or girl name?

Sebastian is used almost exclusively as a boy's name; the feminine equivalent is Sebastiana.

How popular is Sebastian?

Sebastian has climbed into the U.S. top 20 boys' names in recent years, appreciated for its classic sound and strong nickname options.