Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Sebastian is a name of Greek origin, meaning 'venerable' or 'revered.' It has evolved through various historical forms, reflecting its deep roots in ancient culture. The name is linked to Saint Sebastian, enhancing its significance in Christian tradition. Today, it is seen as a sophisticated and timeless name, with a rich history and a variety of common variants.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/səˈbæstʃən/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Sebastian derives from the Greek name 'Sebastianos,' which means 'from Sebastia,' a city in Asia Minor. The name is ultimately derived from the Greek word 'sebastos,' which means 'venerable' or 'revered.'
Meaning
Venerable, revered
Language Evolution
Sebastianos (Greek), Sebastianus (Latin), Sebastian (Old French), Sebastian (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the Christian tradition due to Saint Sebastian, a martyr who became an influential figure in early Christianity. It has been widely used in Europe since the Middle Ages, particularly in France and Spain.
Variants & Derivatives
Bastian, Seb, Sebbie, Basti
Modern Popularity & Image
Sebastian is currently perceived as a classic and sophisticated name, often associated with creativity and elegance. It remains popular in many cultures and is frequently used in literature and the arts.
Famous People
Sebastian Bach, a renowned musician and actor, Sebastian Vettel, a famous Formula One racing driver, Sebastian Stan, an actor known for his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 10,324 peak births in 2016
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Nevada
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (3 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 3 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 565th of 7545 | 1,933 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 729th of 6773 | 1,341 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 899th of 7552 | 1,297 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 708th of 10718 | 2,133 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 326th of 16616 | 11,427 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 86th of 24088 | 79,367 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 23rd of 23106 | 111,810 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 19264th of 19264 | 5 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 13360th of 27321 | 53 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 8897th of 35406 | 189 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 8532nd of 30306 | 151 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
48.31% 684th/1416 |
18.13% 250th/1379 |
55.03% 1302nd/2366 |
51.14% 584th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
61.84% 956th/1546 |
20.31% 316th/1556 |
49.17% 1157th/2353 |
57.01% 882nd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
42.75% 952nd/2227 |
22.43% 545th/2430 |
35.75% 1020th/2853 |
30.45% 845th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
29.83% 876th/2937 |
15.27% 532nd/3483 |
21.32% 750th/3518 |
15.36% 621st/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
9.96% 367th/3685 |
5.99% 268th/4475 |
6.99% 363rd/5194 |
4.56% 288th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
2.99% 137th/4582 |
1.67% 86th/5164 |
1.09% 80th/7313 |
0.92% 69th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
1.41% 56th/3984 |
0.87% 39th/4487 |
0.37% 25th/6822 |
0.08% 5th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
93.73% 5921st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
100.00% 5164th/5164 |
80.83% 5911th/7313 |
69.90% 5217th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Nevada across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been consistently rising. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been too falling for male in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, too falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been too falling for male in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, too falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 565th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 729th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 899th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 708th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 326th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 86th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 23rd out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 19264th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 13360th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 8897th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 8532nd out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
