Sabas

Sabas is a masculine given name used in Spanish, derived from the Late Greek name Sabbas (Greek: Σάββας, transliterated as Sabbas or Savvas), which ultimately traces back to the Aramaic root sava meaning "old man" or "grandfather."

Etymology

The name Sabas appears frequently in early Christian contexts, borrowed into Greek from Aramaic סַבָא (sava), meaning an elder or venerable ancestor. The form Savvas is standard in modern Greek, while Sabbas was used in late Roman and Byzantine times. The Spanish form Sabas likely entered via Latin and later ecclesiastical transmission.

Historical and Religious Figures

Several saints bearing this name are venerated in Eastern Orthodox and Catholic traditions:

• Abda and Sabas (4th century): Two early Christian martyrs from the Gothic lands, who died under persecution.
• Julian Sabas (died 377): A hermit who spent most of his life in desert regions of Syria, renowned for asceticism.
• Sabas of Stoudios (fl. 787): A Byzantine abbot and iconodule, active at the Second Council of Nicaea.
• Saint Sabas of Serbia (12th century): Born as Prince Rastko Nemanjić, he became an archbishop and national patron saint of Serbia. His monastic name was Sava, a variant of Sabas, in honor of Saint Sabbas the Sanctified.

Another significant bearer is Sabas Asidenos (fl. 1204–1216), a Byzantine local magnate who carved out an independent domain after the Fourth Crusade.

Variants and Cultural Spread

Related forms include Sava (Ukrainian), Saba (Georgian), Savvas (Greek), Sabbas (Late Greek), and Savva (Russian). In modern times, the name is occasionally given in Spanish-speaking countries though it remains relatively rare.

• Meaning: Old man, grandfather
• Origin: Aramaic through Greek and Latin
• Usage: Spanish (masculine)
• Patronage: Saint Sabas of Serbia is a national saint; also early martyrs and hermits