Sebastian
View all boy namesPlus IconSebastian is a traditionally masculine name with Greek and Latin roots meaning 'venerable' or 'revered.' Parents who love the name Sebastian also tend to like Jasper, Oliver, Theodore, Felix, Atticus, Leo, Nathaniel, and Milo — all names that have been around awhile but still have a fresh, fascinating sound to them that makes them modern, too.
St. Sebastian was a legendary 3rd-century martyr and the patron saint of soldiers. Sebastian also appears in Shakespeare's plays; he's the character of Viola's twin brother in 'Twelfth Night,' also called 'What You Will,' and is the brother of Alonso in 'The Tempest.' And, of course, he's a much beloved singing crab in Disney's 'The Little Mermaid' cartoon from 1989.
Famous Sebastians include composer Johann Sebastian Bach, composer, athlete / British Parliament member Sebastian Coe, author Sebastian Faulks, and actor Sebastian Cabot.
Sebastian is currently the 13th most popular boys name in the U.S., after a long journey in which it didn't really take off in popularity until the mid-1990s. It has been rising in usage ever since, particularly sharply post-2015.
Sebastian in quotes:
"Children have got to be free to lead their own lives." — Sebastian in 'The Little Mermaid'
"My determinate voyage is mere extravagancy. But I perceive in you so excellent a touch of modesty, that you will not extort from me what I am willing to keep in; therefore it charges me in manners the rather to express myself. You must know of me then, Antonio: My name is Sebastian." — Sebastian in 'Twelfth Night'
Meanings
Greek Baby Names Meaning:
In Greek Baby Names the meaning of the name Sebastian is: Revered.
Latin Baby Names Meaning:
In Latin Baby Names the meaning of the name Sebastian is: Venerable; revered. The twin brother of Viola in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. A third-century martyred centurion who became St. Sebastian patron saint of soldiers.