Sebastian: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Sebastian mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Latin: Venerable, revered
Greek: From Sebastia

Gender: Male

Syllables: 3

Pronunciation: The name Sebastian is pronounced suh-bas-chun

The name Sebastian has its roots in the Latin name "Sebastianus," which means "venerable" or "revered." It is also linked to the Greek city of Sebastia. Widely used in both Western and Eastern cultures, Sebastian's timeless appeal is highlighted by its frequent appearance in religious texts, classic literature, and modern media.

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

German, Spanish (Sebastián), and Southern French (Sébastian): from the personal name Sebastian, Latin Sebastianus. This was originally an ethnic name meaning "man from Sebastia", a city in Pontus named from Greek sebastos "revered" (the Greek equivalent of Augustus). This surname is also sometimes born by Jews, presumably as an adoption of the German surname.

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Amber Rose

Wiz Khalifa

Sebastian in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Sebastian Michaelis from Black Butler - A demon butler who serves and protects his young master, Ciel Phantomhive.
Sebastian from The Little Mermaid - A Jamaican crab who serves as King Triton's advisor and tries to keep Ariel out of trouble.
Sebastian Smythe from Glee - A competitive and charming student from Dalton Academy who often clashes with the show's protagonist, Blaine Anderson.
Sebastian Shaw from X-Men - A mutant with the ability to absorb energy and convert it into physical strength, often depicted as a villain.
Sebastian Valmont from Cruel Intentions - A manipulative and cunning young man who engages in a series of deceitful plots with his stepsister.

Popularity of the Name Sebastian

According to the Social Security Administration data, the name Sebastian has seen a notable increase in popularity over the years. It has become a favored choice among parents, consistently ranking in the top 100 baby names in the United States for the past several decades. Its sophisticated and historical connotations, combined with its international appeal, have contributed to its enduring popularity.

Sebastian is a name of Greek origin, meaning "venerable" or "revered." It has been borne by numerous saints and martyrs throughout history, including Saint Sebastian, a widely venerated early Christian martyr known for his endurance. This historical figure has not only inspired the use of the name but also solidified its presence within various cultures around the world.

Famous Sebastians include the acclaimed Baroque composer Johann Sebastian Bach, the legendary Formula 1 driver Sebastian Vettel, and renowned actor Sebastian Stan, who is known for his role as the Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

In the realm of arts and entertainment, Sebastian has been represented by a diverse array of characters, adding to its appeal. Notably, the name has been used for characters in William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, Disney's The Little Mermaid for the endearing crab, and in more contemporary media like the video game Stardew Valley.