Stephanie is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "stephanos," which means "crown" or "wreath." In ancient Greece, a stephanos was often worn by victorious athletes and rulers as a symbol of their success and power.
The name Stephanie gained popularity in France during the Middle Ages, where it was used as a variant of the Greek name Stephania. It was later introduced to England by French nobles who settled there during the reign of Henry II. The name Stephanie became more widespread in English-speaking countries during the 19th century, and its popularity has continued to grow ever since.
Over time, several variations of the name Stephanie have emerged, including Stephanie, Stephanie, Stephani, and even Steffanie. Despite these different spellings, all versions of the name share the same Greek origins and meaning.
In literature, one notable character named Stephanie is Stephanie Beacham's character in the British television series "Dallas." In popular culture, famous individuals named Stephanie include American actresses Stephanie Powers and Stephanie McMahon, as well as Canadian singer Stephanie Lynn "Stephanie" Wilson.
The name Stephanie has shown some fluctuations in popularity over the years in the United States. In 1985, there were 9 babies named Stephanie, followed by a slight increase to 10 births in 1987. However, the popularity of the name decreased slightly in the following years, with only 6 births each in 1988 and 1989. The number of Stephanie births rebounded again in 1990, reaching 9.
Overall, from 1985 to 1990, there were a total of 40 babies named Stephanie born in the United States. Despite some variations in popularity over this period, Stephanie remains a popular and beloved name for girls.