Istvan is a Hungarian male given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Late Latin name Stefanus, which itself comes from the Greek name Stephanos. The meaning of Istvan is "crown" or "garland", and it was often used in the Eastern Roman Empire to denote royalty.
The name Istvan has been popular in Hungary for centuries. According to Hungarian history, the first recorded use of the name Istvan was by King Stephen I (also known as Saint Stephen), who ruled Hungary from 1000 until his death in 1038. He is credited with converting the Hungarians to Christianity and establishing the Kingdom of Hungary. As a result of his significant role in Hungarian history, the name Istvan became associated with royalty and has been widely used among the nobility throughout the centuries.
Today, Istvan remains a popular choice for boys' names in Hungary. It is also found in other countries where there are Hungarian communities, such as Romania, Slovakia, and Serbia. While it may not be as well-known internationally as some other names, Istvan holds deep historical significance and cultural relevance in Hungary.
"The name Istvan has seen a resurgence in popularity over the past few decades, with noticeable peaks in usage in recent years."