Find out how popular the first name Sabastian has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Sabastian by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Sabastian is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 45 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Sabastian.

The history of the first name Sabastian

The name Sabastian has its origins in the ancient Greek name Sebastianos, which was derived from the Greek word "sebastos," meaning "venerable" or "revered." The name gained popularity during the Roman era, particularly after the Roman emperor Augustus was given the title "Augustus," which also stems from "sebastos."

The earliest recorded use of the name Sabastian can be traced back to the 3rd century AD, when a Christian martyr named Sebastianus was venerated for his steadfast faith and courage in the face of persecution. According to legend, Sebastianus was a Roman soldier who secretly converted to Christianity and was eventually executed for his beliefs during the reign of Emperor Diocletian.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Sabastian was widely used across Europe, particularly in regions with strong Christian traditions. One notable figure was Saint Sebastian, a 3rd-century Christian martyr who is often depicted in art and literature as a handsome young man pierced by arrows.

In the 16th century, the name Sabastian gained further prominence with the birth of Sebastian I, King of Portugal from 1557 to 1578. His reign was marked by significant naval exploration and the expansion of Portuguese colonies in Africa and Asia.

Another famous figure was Sebastian Munster, a German Renaissance scholar and cartographer born in 1488. He is best known for his contributions to the study of geography and for publishing one of the earliest modern world maps, the "Cosmographia Universalis," in 1544.

During the Baroque period, the name Sabastian was associated with several notable composers and musicians. Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), one of the most influential composers of the Baroque era, is perhaps the most famous bearer of the name. His compositions, including the Brandenburg Concertos and the Well-Tempered Clavier, are considered masterpieces of Western classical music.

Another notable figure was Sebastian Brant (1457-1521), a German humanist and satirist known for his influential work "Das Narrenschiff" (The Ship of Fools), a biting satire on the follies and vices of society at the time.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Sabastian was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Sabastian, please contact us.

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