Bastian
A short form of Sebastian, first used as a baptismal surname and later inherited as a family name.
The #5,034 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 44,315 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Bastian is a clipped or familiar form of Sebastian, the Christian personal name from Latin Sebastianus, meaning “from Sebaste” or “man of Sebaste,” a place-name connected with the Greek word for “venerable.” In surname use, it originally meant “son of Sebastian” or someone identified by that given name. Related spellings and forms arose in several European languages, including French Bastien and German Wastian/Bastian.
History
The name appears in English records, especially in Cornwall and the southwest, where Bardsley notes early but rare use. It also circulated on the continent, with related forms in French and German, and later became an inherited surname rather than just a patronymic label. In the United States it is a relatively uncommon surname today, but one that is familiar in several European naming traditions.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Bardsley specifically connects Bastian with early Cornish records and notes that French Bastien may have influenced some English spellings.
From the historical record
“England, where Spanish influence would be ex pec led to prevail. Popu- larly Bastian [ cf. French Baslien, which perhaps had its effect on Bastei Parv., I”
— A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, with special American instances