Surname Sebastian - Meaning and Origin

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K. Sebastian

Sebastian: What does the surname Sebastian mean?

The surname Sebastian is of German origin and dates back to at least the 12th century. Its meaning is debated as some sources point to it being derived from the Latin name 'Sebastianus', which translates to 'venerable'. Another interpretation suggests that the name comes from the Germanic word 'sobo', meaning 'sword'. The variations of the name include Sébastien, Sebestyén, or Szebasztian.

The first use of the surname in Germany was found in a charter in 1249, where it was recorded that one Ekolte di Sebbe el Sebeschow of Magdeburg was granted a personal estate. It is also known that in 1336 the title of Baron of Basten was bestowed upon a person named Jacob Sibethen. From this point onwards, the surname spread throughout Germany in both adapted and unchanged forms.

Today it is a widely popular surname throughout the world, especially amongst those of German ancestry. It is also popular amongst Spanish speakers, where the surname in its original form remains in use.

This surname carries with it a strong sense of honour and dignity, suggesting that those named Sebastian are not afraid to take up a challenge, take responsibility, and strive for self-improvement. It is also associated with a protective, loyal, and kind personality, as the name is derived from the venerability of Saint Sebastian.

Sebastian: Where does the name Sebastian come from?

The last name Sebastian can most commonly be found in countries that were formerly under Spanish and Portuguese rule. This includes Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Peru. Other countries with a significant presence of the last name include the United States, Brazil, France, Germany, and Argentina.

In the United States, the most common locations to find Sebastian are in the southern states along the Gulf Coast such as Alabama, Florida, and Louisiana. It's also prevalent in the Pacific Northwest such as Washington, Oregon, and California, where a large population of Hispanic and Latino residents resides, as well as in Texas and New York.

Tracing the origin of the name, it's a Latin first name that means "venerable" and was used by early Christians, particularly in the Iberian Peninsula and the Roman Empire. It was used in reference to a venerated person or a high priest. After the Reconquista in Spain, the name spread to other parts of Europe, Latin America, and the United States.

Today, the last name Sebastian is very common among modern day descendants of the Spanish and Portuguese, as well as people of Latin American descent. It is also popular in some parts of the United States due to the influence of the Hispanic and Latino community, particularly in certain southern states.

Variations of the surname Sebastian

The surname Sebastian is believed to have originated from the Latin name “Sebastianus”, which is derived from the Greek name “Sebastos”. It has been translated to mean “venerable” or “revered”, signifying honour and respect. There are many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for this name.

Variants: Sabastian, Sebbastian

Spellings: Sebestain, Sebestyen

Surnames: Sabiston, Sebastianelli, Sebastiano, Sebastien, Sebastion, Sebastyn, Sebestyen, Sewbestyen, Sebestyen, Sevastion, Sebestyan

In different countries, this surname has also been spelled variously as Sabastien, Sebastjan, Savastian, Sebasthian, Sebastiaan, Sebastean, Sebastien, Sebastyan, Sevesteaan, Sebestean and Sebestyan. There are also many alternative spellings such as Sebasien, Sebasten, Sebaste and Sibastien.

The name has also been found in various other forms, such as Sebastin, Sebastain, Sebastyano, Sebasthyan, Sabastain, Sebastina, Sebastien, Sebestyan, Sebestyen and Sebastieno.

Overall, the surname Sebastian has many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. This name is found to have originated from the Latin name “Sebastianus” and it has been translated to mean “venerable” or “revered”.

Famous people with the name Sebastian

• John Sebastian: Hall-of-Fame singer-songwriter known for hits such as "Do You Believe in Magic," "Welcome Back," and "Younger Girl."
• Sebastian Vettel: Formula One driver and four-time world champion.
• Nathan Sebastian: Japanese-born American electronic music producer, mostly known for his work on the Toonami broadcast block of Adult Swim.
• William Howard Taft IV: American lawyer and former United States Deputy Secretary of Defense.
• Michael Kenneth Sebastian: Executive Director of the PGA Tour's Executive Office and former college golfer.
• Mark Sebastian: American guitarist and songwriter, best known for being the bassist and backing vocalist of the alternative rock band Goo Goo Dolls.
• Lewis Sebastian: Sky Sports presenter and former professional football player.
• Jeffery Sebastian: Spiritual leader and former President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in South Africa.
• Audrey Ruth Sebastian: American actress, writer and producer.
• Jesus Adrian Sebastian: Mexican-American professional wrestler better known by his ring name, Adrian Cross.

Other surnames

SebastianiSebastianoSebastiansSebastiany