Sebastian

“venerable”

Latin origin · Boy name

♂ 100% boys♀ 0% girls

#13US 2023

8.9kBirths / yr

→Stable

173.6kAll-time births

📅 Since 1881🏆 21 years in top 1000.56% of births at peak

How to pronounce Sebastian

sub·ASCH·un

/səb.ˈæstʃ.ən/ · stress on ASCH · 3 syllables

“venerable”

Latin origin · Boy name

What does Sebastian mean and where does it come from?

Sebastian is derived from the Greek name 'Sebastianos,' meaning 'from Sebastia,' an ancient city in Asia Minor. In early Christian contexts, Saint Sebastian became a highly regarded martyr in the West, contributing to the name's popularity. Although traditionally male, it has also seen use as a fema

Cultural significance

Sebastian has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of venerable.

Peak popularity

Reached #18 in 2018 — currently #13 in the US.

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How else can you spell Sebastian?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Sebastien

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Sebastian?

Sebastian works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Sebastian Grace

How popular is Sebastian right now?

Holding steady — currently #13 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1885–2023#13 · Top 0.01%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#13	8,890	stable · -5% births
2022	#13	9,393	▲ up 6 · +5% births
2021	#19	8,930	stable
2020	#19	8,927	▲ up 16 · -7% births
2015	#35	9,620	▲ up 33 · +51% births
2010	#68	6,358	▲ up 18 · +28% births
2005	#86	4,953	▼ down 5 · -1% births
2000	#81	5,027	▲ up 126 · +251% births
1995	#207	1,432	▲ up 113 · +81% births
1990	#320	791	▲ up 195 · +175% births
1985	#515	288	▲ up 158 · +73% births
1980	#673	166	▲ up 71 · +32% births
1975	#744	126	▼ down 110 · -23% births
1970	#634	164	▲ up 97 · +58% births
1965	#731	104	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Sebastian

Best Year2022Rank #13

Peak Count9,620

Average Rank#502

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1905 - 202327 years

The story of Sebastian

Sebastian has been a beloved American name for over 143 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1881. Its peak popularity was #18 in 2018. More than 173,614 babies have been named Sebastian since 1881. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1020 in 1885 to #13 in 2023. Sebastian is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.

Names that peaked alongside Sebastian in 2018:

Liam Noah William James Oliver

Sebastian by decade

Sebastian peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	34
1890s	43
1900s	89
1910s	838
1920s	1,231
1930s	773
1940s	574
1950s	500
1960s	1,118
1970s	1,414
1980s	2,846
1990s	14,656
2000s	53,972
2010s ★	86,593
2020s	8,933

What are good nicknames for Sebastian?

DUTCH

BasBastiaan

FINNISH

SepiSeppo

FRENCH

Bastien

GERMAN

Bastian

Famous people named Sebastian

Saint Sebastian

Early Christian martyr and patron saint of athletes, depicted in countless Renaissance masterpieces

Sebastian Bach

Johan Sebastian Bach's namesake lineage — Bach himself became one of the greatest composers who ever lived

Sebastian Vettel

German Formula One racing driver, four-time World Champion with Red Bull Racing

Sebastian Stan

Romanian-American actor known for playing Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Sebastian (The Little Mermaid)

The beloved crab advisor to King Triton in Disney's The Little Mermaid, voiced memorably by Samuel E. Wright

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Sebastian?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Sebastian also consider these

Sebashtian

USA · Latin

Sebestian

English · A meaningful name

Sebasthian

Greece · Venerable, revered, or

Spain · from the family

How is Sebastian written in other languages?

What are the girl versions of Sebastian?

Sébastienne FRENCH Sebastiana ITALIAN

Common questions about the name Sebastian

What does the name Sebastian mean?

Sebastian means "venerable" — a name rooted in Latin tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Sebastian?

Sebastian is currently ranked #13 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Sebastian?

Sebastian originates from Latin tradition. Latin names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Sebastian?

Sebastian is a three-syllable name pronounced S AH0 B AE1 S CH AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Sebastian?

Sebastian pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Latin heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.