Sebastian

Fact sheet

Name: Sebastian
Gender: Boy name
Syllables: 3

Sebastian is a name that means 'the Exalted'. It originates from the ancient Greek word sebastós, which means exalted, venerable, or imperial. During the time of the Roman Empire, the city of Sivas, located in present-day Turkey, was named Sebasteia (German Sebaste) in honor of Emperor Augustus.

What does the name Sebastian mean?

Sebastian means 'the Exalted' and derives from the ancient Greek word sebastós, which means exalted, venerable, and imperial. During the Roman Empire, the city of Sivas in present-day Turkey was named Sebasteia in honor of Emperor Augustus. Therefore, Sebastian can also be interpreted as 'the man from Sebaste'. The name has been common in Germany since the Middle Ages, with the veneration of Saint Sebastian significantly contributing to its popularity from the 15th century onward. Between the 1970s and 1990s, Sebastian was one of the most popular boys' names in Germany. Although the name is less frequently given today, it remains popular, particularly in Bavaria. A common short form is Bastian, while the name is known in Spanish as Sebastián, in Portuguese as Sebastião, in Italian as Sebastiano, and in French as Sébastien.

Where does the name Sebastian come from?

The name Sebastian is the German variant of the Greek name Sebastianos and derives from the ancient Greek word sebastós, which means exalted, venerable, or imperial. The composition of the ancient Greek term is: sebastós = exalted, venerable, imperial (Ancient Greek). The languages in which this name appears include Bavarian and German.

How do you pronounce Sebastian?

The pronunciation of Sebastian is characteristically three to four syllables and rhythmic. In the German language, it is typically pronounced as 'Se-bas-ti-an' [zeˈbastjan], with the middle syllable emphasized. The combination of consonants gives the name structure, while the open ending creates a sense of breadth. Sebastian has a traditional sound and simultaneously feels modern, melodious, confident, and present.

When is the name day of Sebastian?

The name day for Sebastian is celebrated on January 20th in remembrance of Saint Sebastian.

Popularity

Sebastian has a long history in Germany, ranging from a rather inconspicuous name to a popular favorite. In the early documented decades, the name was present but initially did not reach top positions. From the 1970s onward, Sebastian quickly rose in popularity, reaching first place in 1987. This phase made it a clearly dominant name in the German naming landscape.

Nicknames & pet names

Badi / Bas / Baschdi / Baschi / Bascht / Baschti / Bash / Basi / Bassi / BassTea / Bassy / Bast / Bastasciutta / Basti / Bastian / Bastii / Bastinger / Bastinho / Bastioano / Bastl / Bastl-Wastl / Bastlwastl / Basto / Bastron / Batschi / Bästn / Ceebas / Sabse / Schabastian / Schevian / Seb / Seba / Sebald / Sebas / Sebas-Chan / Sebasch / Sebasti / Sebastianus / Sebastin / Sebasto / Sebbe / Sebbi / Sebbie / Sebbl / Sebbo / Sebby / Sebe / Sebek / Sebel / Sebeli / Sebi / Sebi-Bebi / Sebke / Sebo / Sebostion / Sebu / Sebus / Seebär / Sepp / Seppel / Seppl / Sepploss / Sese / Shweini / Sibbe / Sibbi / Spastian / Säbi / Waschtel / Wastel / Wasti / Wastl / Zebaschtian

Similar first names

Sebastiaan Sebastiana Sebastiane Sebastien

Sebastijana

Famous people

Alexis Sebastian Cabrera Coronas (Argentinian football player)
Andres Sebastian Robles Fuentes (football player from Chile)
Bastian Conrad (German neurologist and author)
Bastian Schweinsteiger (professional footballer)
Gerardo Sebastian Gularte Fros (Uruguayan football player)
Saint Sebastian (martyr, name day January 20)
Johann Sebastian Bach (composer)
Juan Sebastian Sanchez (Peruvian footballer)
Roberto Sebastian Bassaletti Vega (Argentinian football player)
Sebastian 'Bash' de Poitiers (character from the historical series 'Reign')
Sebastian (Seb) Bach (former lead singer of the band Skid Row)
Sebastian Albrecht (ice hockey player Eisbären Berlin)
Sebastian Andres Bueno (Argentinian football player)
Sebastian Báez (Argentinian tennis player)
Sebastian Baumgarten (director)
Sebastian Beck (German footballer)
Sebastian Bezzel (actor)
Sebastian Bloss (German doctor)
Sebastian Boenisch (footballer at Werder Bremen)
Sebastian Castellanos (the protagonist from the game 'The Evil Within')

Frequently asked questions about the name Sebastian

How is the name Sebastian pronounced?

Sebastian is usually pronounced as 'Seh-bas-tee-an', with the emphasis on the second syllable.

Are there suitable middle names for Sebastian?

Suitable middle names for Sebastian could include more classic names like Alexander, Maximilian, or Lukas, but more modern names like Finn or Noah also fit well.

What nicknames are there for Sebastian?

There are numerous affectionate nicknames for Sebastian, including Basti, Bastian, or Sebi, all of which add a personal touch.

In which languages does the name Sebastian appear?

Sebastian is not only common in German but also appears in many other languages, such as Sebastián in Spanish, Sebastião in Portuguese, and Sébastien in French.