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Stephen Boy

Popularity: #352 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationSTEE-vən / /ˈstiː.vən/

Greek; Latin

Meaning

Greek: crown; Latin: to crown

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Stephen originates from the Greek name "Stephanos," which means "crown" or "garland." This name is derived from the Greek verb "stephanoo," meaning "to crown." The earliest forms of the name can be traced back to the New Testament, where Saint Stephen is recognized as the first Christian martyr, a significant figure in early Christianity. His story is recounted in the Book of Acts, which dates back to the first century CE, and his martyrdom is commemorated on December 26 in the Western Christian calendar.

The name Stephen made its way into Latin as "Stephanus," and subsequently into Old French as "Estienne" before being adopted into Middle English as "Steven" or "Stephan." The name gained prominence in medieval Europe, especially due to the veneration of Saint Stephen. Various kings and nobles throughout history bore the name, including Stephen I of Hungary, who was canonized in the 11th century and became the first king of Hungary, further solidifying the name's significance in Christian contexts.

Culturally, the name Stephen has been associated with notions of honor and leadership, reflecting its meaning of "crown." It has appeared in various literary works and has been borne by numerous notable figures, including philosophers, writers, and leaders throughout history. The diminutive form "Steve" has also emerged, though its historical significance is less pronounced. Overall, the name Stephen has maintained a lasting legacy, rooted in its etymological origins and historical associations with martyrdom and nobility.

Trend Summary

The name Stephen has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the mid-20th century and gradually declining since.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Steven
  • Stefan
  • Stefano

International Variants

  • Esteban (Spanish)
  • Stefanos (Greek)
  • Stef (Dutch)
  • Stefano (Italian)

Famous people named Stephen

Stephen King is an author best known for The Shining, It, and Carrie.

Stephen Hawking was a theoretical physicist best known for A Brief History of Time, Hawking Radiation, and his work on black holes.

Stephen Colbert is a comedian and television host best known for The Colbert Report, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and his work on The Daily Show.

Stephen Curry is a professional basketball player best known for his time with the Golden State Warriors and his three NBA championships.

Stephen Sondheim was a composer and lyricist best known for West Side Story, Sweeney Todd, and Into the Woods.

Stephen Fry is an actor, writer, and comedian best known for his work on QI, A Bit of Fry & Laurie, and his role in the Harry Potter films.

Stephen Mangan is an actor best known for Green Wing, Episodes, and his role in the TV series The Split.

Stephen Merchant is a writer, director, and actor best known for The Office, Extras, and his work on Hello Ladies.

Stephen Schwartz is a composer and lyricist best known for Wicked, Godspell, and Pippin.

Stephen Dillane is an actor best known for Game of Thrones, The Hours, and The Tunnel.

Fictional characters named Stephen

Stephen Strange is a fictional character from the Marvel Comics universe. He is a former neurosurgeon who becomes the Sorcerer Supreme, protecting Earth from magical threats.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Stephen was first seen in the United States in 1880. Stephen has ranked as high as #35 nationally, which occurred in 1952, and has been most popular in New York, California, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Stephen has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Stephen (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 90
11%
CA 65
8%
NY 54
7%
FL 43
5%
PA 42
5%
NC 42
5%
OH 33
4%
VA 33
4%
GA 32
4%
SC 31
4%
IN 26
3%
TN 24
3%
IL 22
3%
LA 22
3%
AZ 21
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880176
1881147
1882201
1883140
1884165
1885158
1886181
1887165
1888187
1889164
1890156
1891140
1892178
1893175
1894174
1895179
1896164
1897194
1898195
1899178
1900181
1901158
1902210
1903200
1904178
1905246
1906207
1907273
1908280
1909314
1910350
1911486
1912928
19131,097
19141,486
19151,850
19161,877
19171,892
19181,843
19191,694
19201,771
19211,868
19221,722
19231,605
19241,636
19251,482
19261,335
19271,446
19281,336
19291,356
19301,257
19311,334
19321,389
19331,321
19341,424
19351,650
19361,862
19372,133
19382,726
19393,176
19404,422
19415,811
19427,503
19437,931
19447,795
19458,639
194611,833
194715,328
194817,060
194920,488
195020,511
195122,472
195223,054
195321,808
195421,879
195522,155
195621,204
195719,727
195817,961
195916,505
196016,263
196116,061
196215,615
196314,993
196414,967
196514,649
196614,743
196715,088
196814,762
196915,090
197014,760
197113,101
197211,037
19739,958
197410,101
19759,733
19769,726
19779,636
19789,855
19799,905
198010,063
198110,302
198210,631
198311,564
198412,096
198512,210
198611,875
198711,551
198811,607
198911,736
199011,943
199110,526
19929,308
19938,370
19947,482
19956,556
19966,008
19975,415
19985,013
19994,543
20004,137
20013,738
20023,349
20033,142
20042,851
20052,745
20062,552
20072,375
20082,092
20091,920
20101,820
20111,579
20121,568
20131,452
20141,452
20151,496
20161,379
20171,333
20181,245
20191,094
20201,023
2021958
2022918
2023898
2024864