Sebastian

Sebastian is an ancient martyr's name turned literary, and "Little Mermaid" hero -- think Sebastian the Crab -- that's entered the Top 70 as a classic-yet-unconventional compatriot for fellow British favorites Colin and Oliver.

Sebastian is a name with a substantial history, first as the third-century martyr whose sufferings were a favorite subject of medieval artists, then as the name of memorable characters in such varied works as Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" and "The Tempest" and Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited.

Several celebs have chosen the sophisticated Sebastian for their sons, including James Spader, Kim Fields and Tommy Hilfiger.

Sebastian is high on the lists in countries as widespread as Austria, Denmark, Romania, Tasmania and Chile. Some more down-to-earth nicknames for the relatively elaborate Sebastian not often heard in this country are Seb, Baz and Bas.