Sebastian is a name of Latin origin that means "venerable" or "revered." It is derived from the Latin word "sebastos," which means "venerated," and the Greek suffix "-ian," meaning "relating to." The name Sebastian was popular among early Christians due to its association with St. Sebastian, a third-century martyr who was reputedly killed for his faith during the Roman Empire.
The name Sebastian first appeared in England during the medieval period, but it did not gain widespread popularity until the 19th century. Today, Sebastian is a popular given name in many countries around the world, including the United States, where it has consistently ranked among the top 500 names for boys since the mid-20th century.
Sebastian has been borne by several notable figures throughout history, including St. Sebastian himself, as well as Renaissance composer Sebastian Bach and English poet Sebastian Barry. The name has also been used in popular culture, such as in the character Sebastian Michaelis from the anime and manga series "Black Butler" and the villain Sebastian Shaw in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Overall, Sebastian is a strong and distinguished given name with a rich history dating back to ancient times. Its meaning of "venerable" or "revered" makes it an excellent choice for parents looking for a name that conveys respect and admiration.
The name Sebastian appears to be quite rare in the United States, with only five babies being named Sebastian each year in recent years. Over time, this may result in a unique bond among those who share this name and were born in the same year.