Sebastian

What does the baby name Sebastian mean? Learn about what Sebastian means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Sebastian - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Sebastian
S-E-B-A-S-T-I-A-N, is a 9-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Sebastian
sə-BAS-chən
seh BASS chen
Meaning of Sebastian
Venerable, revered, from sebastos, majestic, man from sebaste, from sebaste.
Origin of Sebastian
The name 'Sebastian' is derived from the Greek name 'Sebastian'os, which means 'venerable' or 'revered'. It was a common name in ancient Greece, often given to boys who were born into noble families. The earliest known use of the name can be traced back to the 3rd century BC, where it appears in various historical records and inscriptions.
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Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Sebastian
Bastian
Bastien
Seb
Sebastiano
Sebo
Popularity of Sebastian
Throughout history, the popularity of the name 'Sebastian' has fluctuated. In the Middle Ages, it was a fairly common name among European nobility and was often given to second or third sons. However, it experienced a decline in usage during the Renaissance and the early modern period.

In recent times, the name 'Sebastian' has seen a resurgence in popularity. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it ranked as the 35th most popular name for boys in the United States in 2020. This upward trend can also be observed in other countries around the world, where 'Sebastian' is becoming a popular choice for parents.
Sebastian currently has 4091 likes, and is in the top 1% of liked boy's names. The name Louis is slightly more popular than Sebastian.

Etymology of Sebastian

The etymology of the name 'Sebastian' can be traced back to the Greek word sebastos, which means 'venerable' or 'revered'. It is derived from the verb sebazomai, which means 'to worship' or 'to honor'. This linguistic root reflects the noble and respected connotations associated with the name.

Cultural Significance of Sebastian

'Sebastian' holds cultural significance in various contexts. In Christianity, Saint 'Sebastian' is a widely venerated martyr who was killed during the Roman emperor Diocletian's persecution of Christians in the 3rd century AD. He is often depicted in art and literature as a young man tied to a post and shot with arrows.

The name 'Sebastian' is also associated with the world of music and entertainment. 'Sebastian' Bach, a German composer and musician from the Baroque period, is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers in history. His compositions, such as the 'Brandenburg Concertos' and the 'Goldberg Variations', continue to be celebrated and performed to this day.