Sebastian is a name of Latin origin, derived from the Latin word "Sebastos," which means "venerable" or "revered." The name was originally given to people in honor of the ancient city of Sebastopolis, located in modern-day Turkey.
The name Sebastian has been popular throughout history. It was borne by several early Christian saints and martyrs, including Saint Sebastian, who is believed to have lived in the 3rd century during the Roman Empire. Despite being a soldier, Sebastian secretly converted to Christianity and was eventually martyred for his faith. His bravery and devotion made him a popular saint in the Middle Ages, and his name became associated with courage and strength.
In literature, Sebastian has been used as a character name in several works, most notably by William Shakespeare in "The Tempest" and by Oscar Wilde in "The Picture of Dorian Gray." The name has also been popular among royalty, with several kings and princes bearing the name throughout history.
Today, Sebastian is still a popular given name for boys. It has consistently ranked among the top 500 names in the United States since the mid-20th century. The name's enduring popularity can be attributed to its classic sound and its association with historical figures of strength and virtue.
"Sebastian had 7 births in 2013 and another 6 in 2016, making a total of 13 babies born over those years."