The name Sebastien has its origins in the Latin name Sebastianus, derived from the Greek word "sebastos", meaning "venerable" or "revered". It is believed to have its roots in the ancient Roman Empire, where it was used as a title of respect for the emperor.

In the early days of Christianity, the name Sebastien gained significance as it was borne by several early Christian martyrs and saints. One of the most notable was Saint Sebastian, a 3rd-century Roman soldier who was martyred for his Christian faith during the reign of Emperor Diocletian.

The name Sebastien gained widespread popularity across Europe during the Middle Ages, particularly in France, where it was commonly spelled as Sébastien. It was embraced by the French nobility and royal families, as evidenced by the presence of several notable figures bearing this name throughout history.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Sebastien can be found in the 6th century, with Saint Sebastien of Narbonne, a French bishop and hermit. In the 12th century, Sebastien Riant, a French knight and crusader, accompanied King Louis VII on the Second Crusade.

During the Renaissance period, the name Sebastien was associated with several prominent figures, including Sebastien Castellio (1515-1563), a French Renaissance humanist and theologian known for his advocacy of religious tolerance, and Sebastien Bourdon (1616-1671), a French painter and engraver.

In the realm of literature, Sebastien Brant (1457-1521) was a German humanist and satirist, best known for his work "Das Narrenschiff" (The Ship of Fools). The French playwright and actor Sebastien Le Prestre de Vauban (1633-1707) was renowned for his contributions to military architecture and fortifications.

During the Enlightenment era, Sebastien Leclerc (1637-1714), a French engraver and designer, made significant contributions to the field of book illustration. Another notable figure was Sebastien Erard (1752-1831), a French instrument maker who revolutionized the design of the modern piano.

In more recent times, the name Sebastien has been carried by several influential figures, such as Sebastien Loeb (born 1974), a French professional rally driver and nine-time World Rally Championship winner, and Sebastien Ogier (born 1983), another French rally driver and eight-time World Rally Champion.