Meaning, origin, history
Stephen is a name of English origin, derived from the Greek name Stephanos, which means "crown" or "wreath." It was often used in the Byzantine Empire as a royal title and eventually became associated with St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, who was stoned to death for his faith. According to the Acts of the Apostles in the Bible, Stephen was known for his wisdom and faith, which led to his persecution by religious authorities.
The name Stephen has been popular throughout history, particularly among royalty and nobility. In medieval times, it was often used as a royal title or given to princes and kings, such as Stephen I of Hungary and Stephen II of England. Today, Stephen is still a popular name in many English-speaking countries, ranking high on popularity charts in places like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Some notable figures with the name Stephen include:
* Stephen Hawking (1942-2018), a renowned theoretical physicist and cosmologist
* Stephen King, an American author of horror novels and short stories
* Stephen Colbert, an American comedian, political satirist, and host of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
* Stephen Curry, an American professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors
Overall, the name Stephen has a long and rich history, with roots dating back to ancient Greece and biblical times. Its meaning and associations have evolved over centuries, but it remains a strong and respected name in many cultures around the world today.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Stepen since 1880
Total births
57
Total since 1880
Peak year
1987
8 births
in 1989
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years