National Sebastian Day is held annually on January 20. Sebastian is a surname as well as a given name. It is derived from the Greek name “Sebastianos”, which means “from Sebastia,” the name of the city now known as Sivas, which is located in what is now Turkey’s central region; in Western Europe. The city’s name comes from the Greek word “sebastos,” which is derived from “sebas,” “awe, reverence, venerable,” which is also derived from the verb “sebomai,” meaning “experience awe.” Sebastian became a popular name after Saint Sebastian, a Christian martyr who lived in the third century.
History of National Sebastian Day
The name Sebastian has a long history. It’s typically a masculine name, and bearers often go by the nickname, Seb. The name has its roots in an ancient city in Western Europe. In honor of Augustus Caesar, the first Roman Emperor, the city of Sebaste (also Sebastia) was established in Asia Minor. Since then, the term “Sebastianos” has been used to describe a resident of Sebastia.Sebastian was also the name of a third-century Gaul who was martyred in Rome during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. According to legend, his body was discovered in a sewer by a Christian woman who claimed to have seen a vision instructing her to bury him.From the 1910s to the 1930s, the name was fairly common before losing popularity, and in 1950 it dropped out of the top 1,000 boys’ names. It has enjoyed a revival since climbing as high as Top 18 for two years (2018 and 2019) and reaching the Top 19 in 2021 in the U.S.In 2006, it was the fifth most popular boy’s name in Chile. In 2007, it was the 86th most popular boy’s name in England and Wales, 38th in Sweden, 13th in Norway, and 59th most in Australia and New South Wales.The name has continued its comeback and acclaimed American actor James Spader and fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger both have sons named Sebastian. The name has also made its way into notable movies on the big screen. In 2016, Ryan Gosling’s lead character in the movie “La La Land” was named Sebastian. The crab in the Disney film “The Little Mermaid” was also named Sebastian.
National Sebastian Day timeline
The Saint is martyred in Rome.
The name goes out of favor and drops off of the top 1,000 list of popular names.
Sebastian makes it into the Top 50 most popular names in the U.S.
The name ranks Top 18 among popular names in 2018 and 2019.
National Sebastian Day FAQs
Is there a Sebastian in the Bible?
Saint Sebastian was a martyr and an early Christian saint. He was executed during the Diocletianic era of Christian persecution. He was initially tethered to a pole or tree and struck with arrows.
What name goes well with Sebastian?
Here are some excellent middle name pairings to use with Sebastian: Sebastian Anthony, Sebastian Bennett, Sebastian Andrew, Sebastian Blake, Sebastian Arthur, Sebastian Cade, Sebastian August, and Sebastian Bryce.
Is Bastian short for Sebastian?
Sebastian is shortened to Bastian in German. Adolf Bastian (1826 – 1905), an anthropologist, is among the most famous people to bear the surname.
National Sebastian Day Activities
-
Celebrate a Sebastian
If you know any Sebastians, then this could be a second birthday for them this year. It’s an opportunity to celebrate them with a gift.
-
Learn about your name’s origins
Our names are unique and a big part of what makes us special. Ask your parents why they chose your name, or research the meaning to learn more.
-
Make a list of famous people named Sebastian
Research famous people named Sebastian and read about their accomplishments. It’s a great way to show appreciation for their contributions.
5 Interesting Facts About Sebastians
-
Under the sea
Sebastian was the name of the crab in Disney’s animated movie “The Little Mermaid.”
-
Monikers
Some popular nicknames for Sebastian are Seb, Bash, Bas, and Sebby.
-
Female Sebs
Females are also named Sebastian.
-
Wide gap
In 2020, there were over 8,927 newborn boys named Sebastian, compared to just six newborn girls.
-
More stats
In 2020, one in 205 newborn boys and one in 291,841 newborn girls were named Sebastian.
Why We Love National Sebastian Day
-
It celebrates their characteristics
Sebastian is a profound name studded with several unique attributes. Sebastians are known to be intuitive, spiritual, intelligent, thoughtful, and loyal.
-
Famous Sebastians
Over the years, lots of notable personalities have borne the name Sebastian. Examples include the likes of Sebastian Cabot — an English actor; Sebastian Coe — a British member of Parliament and Olympic runner; Sebastian Giovinco — an Italian football player; Sebastian Telfair — an American basketball player. The list goes on and on.
-
The importance of names
Our names play a vital role in our identities. They have significant emotional, cultural, familial, and historical ties. They also help us to understand who we are, our place in the world, and the communities to which we belong.
National Sebastian Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | January 20 | Friday |
| 2024 | January 20 | Saturday |
| 2025 | January 20 | Monday |
| 2026 | January 20 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | January 20 | Wednesday |
