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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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Sebastian?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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
Most popular combo · classic
Sebastian Rose
Floral · soft ending
Sebastian Mae
Sweet · timeless
Sebastian Claire
French influence · crisp
Sebastian Jane
Literary · strong
Sebastian Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Sebastian right now?
Holding steady — currently #13 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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?
Famous people named Sebastian
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Saint Sebastian
Early Christian martyr and patron saint of athletes, depicted in countless Renaissance masterpieces
SB
Sebastian Bach
Johan Sebastian Bach's namesake lineage — Bach himself became one of the greatest composers who ever lived
SV
Sebastian Vettel
German Formula One racing driver, four-time World Champion with Red Bull Racing
SS
Sebastian Stan
Romanian-American actor known for playing Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
S(
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 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Sebastian?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Sebastian also consider these
How is Sebastian written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Sebastian?
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.