Stephen

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Stephen

Gender Boy
Origin Greek
Letters 7
Syllables 2
Pronunciation stee-vuhn

Stephen, which has 7 letters and 2 syllables, is a male name of Greek origin.

Meaning of Stephen

Crown

The name Stephen is of Greek origin and means "crown" or "garland". It is also the name of the first Christian martyr.

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Meaning Crown
Origin Greek
Gender Boy
Popularity (US) #378 in 2024 Declining
Rarity (US) Uncommon (Top 500)
Era Vintage (1940s)

Background & History of The Name Stephen

The name 'Stephen' is derived from the Greek name 'Stephanos', meaning "crown" or "wreath." It is a masculine given name that has become popular across various cultures and regions.

In the biblical context, 'Stephen' holds significance as the name of one of the first Christian martyrs. St. Stephen is considered a prominent figure in the early Christian church and is celebrated as a martyr and a saint. His story can be found in the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament.

The name 'Stephen' gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the Middle Ages and has remained in use ever since. It has variations in different languages, such as 'Stefan' in Germanic languages and 'Esteban' in Spanish.

Those with the name 'Stephen' are often associated with qualities such as intelligence, leadership, and creativity. Many individuals named Stephen have made significant contributions in various fields throughout history. For instance, Stephen Hawking, a brilliant theoretical physicist, is renowned for his work on black holes and his book "A Brief History of Time."

Notable individuals with the name include Stephen King, a renowned American author known for his contributions to horror and suspense literature. Stephen Curry, an American professional basketball player, is widely recognized for his exceptional shooting skills and numerous accolades in the sport.

The name 'Stephen' has also been used as a surname. In some cases, it may have been derived from occupations or locations, such as a person who was a steward or lived near a stone boundary marker. Surnames derived from 'Stephen' include Stephens, Stevenson, and Stephenson.

Overall, the name 'Stephen' carries strong historical, biblical, and cultural associations, as well as a connection to numerous accomplished individuals across various domains.

Popularity Over Time

US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of Stephen over the years.

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