Sebastiano is a masculine Italian given name derived from the Latin word " Sebastianus ", which in turn comes from the Old Greek name " Sebastianos ". The name Sebastianos is thought to have been derived from the Greek word " sebastein ", meaning " venerable " or " majestic ". The name was originally given to people born during the month of August, as this was the time when the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar was born.
The name Sebastiano has a rich history and has been associated with many notable figures throughout the centuries. One of the most famous Sebastianos is Saint Sebastian, who was a Christian martyr from the 3rd century. He was sentenced to death for his faith but miraculously survived his initial execution by arrows. After being nursed back to health by Saint Irene, he revealed himself as a Christian and was then clubbed to death.
Sebastiano also has royal connections, with several members of European royalty having the name over the centuries. One notable example is King Sebastian of Portugal (1554-1578), who was known for his brave but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to conquer Morocco.
The name Sebastiano is often associated with beauty and elegance, reflecting its meaning of "venerable" or "majestic". It has a strong, resonant sound and carries a sense of history and tradition. Today, it remains a popular choice among Italian parents and is also used in other countries where Italian culture has had an influence.
In terms of popularity, Sebastiano is currently ranked among the top 100 boys' names in Italy but is less common in other countries. Despite this, it continues to be seen as a distinctive and attractive name option for parents looking for a name with a strong sense of history and heritage.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Sebastiano has seen a varied level of popularity over the years in the United States.
In the early to mid-20th century, the number of babies named Sebastiano fluctuated between 5 and 18 births per year. The highest point during this period was in 1927 with 18 births, while the lowest occurred in 1941 with only 5 births.
There was a notable increase in popularity starting from the late 1970s to the early 1980s, with the number of babies named Sebastiano ranging between 8 and 18 births per year. This trend continued into the 1990s, with the highest point being in 2001 with 23 births.
However, from the late 1990s to the early 2000s, there was a decline in the popularity of the name Sebastiano, with numbers ranging between 5 and 20 births per year. This trend continued until around 2006 when the popularity started to rise again.
In recent years, the number of babies named Sebastiano has been relatively stable, with an average of about 15 births per year from 2006 to 2023. The highest point in this period was in 2006 with 30 births, while the lowest occurred in 2007 with only 7 births.
In total, there have been 971 babies named Sebastiano born in the United States since 1912. Despite fluctuations in popularity over the years, Sebastiano remains a distinctive and unique name choice for parents looking to give their child a special name.