Surname Bastian - Meaning and Origin
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Bastian: What does the surname Bastian mean?
The last name Bastian is of German origin and translates to mean "orphan". It is thought to have derived from the Middle High German word 'basten', meaning 'to provide shelter', with the suffix -ian making it more personal.
The name was once used to describe a child whose parents had died, and in some cases it was given to a child who was orphaned, illegitimate, or had no family name of their own. As a result, the Bastian surname is often associated with sorrow and vulnerability.
However, the name could also have been derived from a nickname given to someone who had adopted or fostered a child, for example, a 'bastianer' or 'one who provides'.
Today, Bastian can also be an occupational name for someone working in a foundling hospital or orphanage.
Although the name's origin may be quite somber, the people who carry the name of Bastian have also been praised for their strength and courage in overcoming difficult and often heartbreaking situations. Many have strong leadership and nurturing qualities, which help them care for and protect those they love.
Order DNA origin analysisBastian: Where does the name Bastian come from?
The last name Bastian is most commonly found in Germany today, as well as in other countries with Germanic roots such as Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.
In Germany, the Bastian family name is most commonly concentrated in the southern, western, and parts of the northeastern regions of the country. Popular cities and towns with the Bastian last name include Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Munich, and Stuttgart.
Within the United States, the Bastian family name has traditionally been more popular in the midwestern region, particularly in Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois. The city of Cleveland, Ohio is known to have a large Bastian population.
As of 2020, the Bastian family name is not as common as it once was in Europe and the United States. However, those with the Bastian surname can still be found in many parts of the world today. In some countries, such as Canada, Australia, and Brazil, the surname has seen an increase in recent years due to immigration.
Variations of the surname Bastian
Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Bastian include: Baste, Bastey, Basteyn, Baestian, Baestien, Bastein, Bastien, Bastienne, Bastin, Bastion, Bastjan, Bastionnen, Batien, Bastard, Batiste, Bastone, Baster, Bastert, Bastmann, Basten, Bastardy, Bastin, Bastians, Basteen, Bestein, Bestain, Besten.
The surname Bastian is derived from the Latin patronymic surname Bastianus, which in turn is derived from the given name Sebastianus. The given name Sebastianus likely derived from the Latin word "sebastianus," which means "venerable, honorable, or revered." As a result, the surname Bastian can be interpreted as meaning "son of the venerable one."
In the 16th Century, the surname Bastian was often spelled Bastin, Baston, or Bastyn. In northern Germany and Denmark, it was also often found as Bastian or Bastien. Later, the surname became more widespread, and it began to appear in a variety of spellings, particularly in America, due to an influx of immigrants from Europe.
In some cases, surnames with similar spellings and meanings can be confused. For instance, some people with the surname Bastian may be mistaken for those with the surname Baster, which is derived from the Dutch word "basten," which means "to fence in." Similarly, surnames like Bastone and Bastard may be confused with Bastian due to their similar pronunciation.
Famous people with the name Bastian
- Gustavo Bastian, former Uruguayan footballer
- Udo Bastian, German actor
- Annette Bastian, American author
- Sean Bastian, American musician
- Paul Bastian, French writer
- Jeannette Bastian, British historian
- Cris Bastian, Brazilian journalist
- Carolina Bastian, Argentinian model
- Sabrina Bastian, German flutist
- Kim Bastian, Swedish actress