Sebastian: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced suh-BAS-chun · 3 syllables
Sebastian means “venerable, revered”, from Greek.
From Latin Sebastianus, name of an early Christian saint, from ancient city of Sebaste in Asia Minor (modern Sivas, Turkey), from Ancient Greek (Sebastos, “august, venerable, exalted”), itself a translation of the Roman title Augustus.
- Meaning
- venerable, revered
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- suh-BAS-chun
- US rank (2025)
- #16
- US babies a year
- about 8,985 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 2010
- Style
- Literary
How popular is Sebastian?
Sebastian was the #16 name in the US in 2025, given to 8,615 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 2010.
Most popular in California (#5), Texas (#5), New Mexico (#6), Nevada (#6), Arizona (#7), Illinois (#10).
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #16 |
| England & Wales | #39 |
| Scotland | #110 |
| Northern Ireland | #119 |
| Ireland | #125 |
| France | #828 |
| Norway | #53 |
| Canada | #85 |
| Australia | #27 |
How old are people named Sebastian?
Half of US adults named Sebastian are older than 24; most are between 18 and 45. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Sebastian
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Sebastian have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Sebastian
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Sebastian
What does the name Sebastian mean?
Sebastian means “venerable, revered”. It comes from Greek.
How do you pronounce Sebastian?
Sebastian is pronounced suh-BAS-chun.
How popular is the name Sebastian?
Sebastian was the #16 name in the US in 2025, given to 8,615 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 2010.
How old are people named Sebastian?
Half of US adults named Sebastian are older than 24. Most are between 18 and 45.