Sebastian too popular

[Antonia87]

Hi
We are expecting our first son and my husband and I have finally agreed on Sebastian. However, one of our friends has pointed out that its no 38 in the baby name charts and she knows loads of little Seb's. I have always loved the name but I really dont want him to be one of three in the class! My husband has an unusual name which he always hated and thinks popularity of a name is a good thing. I would appreciate your thoughts ladies? Do you know a lot of Sebastians?

[katemess12]

Nope.

I know one. He's in his mid-20s.

I have an eternally popular first name and one of the most common surnames in the world. I have the same problems as your husband, but for the opposite reason. I don't think Sebastian would pose any problems though. It's neither "common", not likely to date, and it's not unheard of either.

[chattygranny]

No 38 is hardly top 5. I know a couple of little Sebastians and a few in their 30s (my DC's age). My DS has a name which was climbing when he was born and is now top 5 but it has never bothered him. I think it also depends on your surname. If that's very common maybe think again, if not go for it. Agree with PP it's solid, not a fashion victim and unlikely to date. You have to like the shortened version through, the older ones I know are always called Seb and the little ones Sebbie. It's like don't call your son Matthew if you dislike Matt.

[JosephineMaynard]

I know one 4 yr old Sebastian who goes by Sebby. Agree it's unlikely to date.

I also wouldn't consider no. 38 in the charts to be very popular in terms of how likely you are to be falling over children with that name.

For context, as recalled from another recent baby name thread, Oliver, no. 1 boys name last year, was given to something like 1 in every 100 babies born last year. And Sebastian was a good deal less popular than that.

[Sugarpiehoneyeye]

It's a lovely name, if you both like it, use it.

[chinlo]

Number 38 is not really that high.

Actually, for 2015 it was no. 35, but even then that was only 0.28 percent of all babies born in 2015. So that's one Sebastian for every 357 children. Hardly "one of three in the class".

[Joinourclub]

I know more Sebastian's than any other name - 5. But there is a Seb, Sebby, Bastian. It's a nice name and I don't think kids mind knowing other kids with the same name.

[Pipilangstrumpf]

I know two Sebastians under 10, one Seb and one Basty so yes, I think it is becoming quite trendy. It's not so much at what number it is (38) but whether it has been rising and I think it has. It may rise further and eventually fall out of favour again. Personally I like Sebastian but not the nicknames Seb or Basty, they sound so weak imo.

[Sandsnake]

I like it. I don't know any around here. Go for it if you've always liked it.