"crown, wreath"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
Stephen
Pronunciation: [ st-EEV-uhn ]
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A crowned Greek classic meaning wreath
English
Irish
Greek
European
Christian
Classic
Strong
Gender Neutral
Regal
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Stephen
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"victorious crown"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
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The Story of Stephen
Stephen derives from the Greek Stephanos, meaning crown or wreath. In ancient Greece, winners of athletic competitions and honored poets received stephanos, a crown of laurel or olive branches. The name entered Christianity through Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. As a girls name, Stephen joins a tradition of royal-sounding names crossing gender lines.
Stephen has been a staple English boys name for centuries. As a girls name, it is rare but carries a distinguished quality, often used by families honoring a beloved Stephen in the family. The nickname Stevie has long been used for girls, making the full name Stephen a natural extension.
Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, gave this name enduring religious significance across Christian traditions. In Ireland, Stephen is closely associated with the Feast of Saint Stephen on December 26th, known as Wren Day. The name carries historical weight and dignity.
Historical Record
Stephen first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 2,487 babies have been named Stephen in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Stephen is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #28,857 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- December 26th is Saint Stephen's Day, celebrated in Ireland and other countries
- Stevie Nicks, born Stephanie, popularized the Stevie nickname for women
Stephen in Other Languages
Greek
Στέφανος
Irish
Stiofan
French
Etienne
Italian
Stefano
Spanish
Esteban
Popularity Over Time
#28,857
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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Compare Stephen with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #28,857
- Total SSA Count
- 6
- Cultural Origins
- English Irish Greek European Christian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Stevie
Steph
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Stephen
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Stephen is also used as a boy name, ranked #378.
View Stephen as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (English)
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Marielouise
Girl
Germanic origin
"famous warrior"
#28,762 in US
Florice
Girl
Latin florere origin
"blooming"
#28,913 in US
Cedrea
Girl
Celtic/Welsh origin
"amiable, kind"
#28,686 in US
Harold
Girl
Old English origin
"army ruler, army commander"
#28,909 in US
Deanie
Girl
Old English origin
"from the valley"
#28,977 in US
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Frequently Asked Questions About Stephen
What does the name Stephen mean?
"crown, wreath" (from Greek). "victorious crown" (from Greek). Stephen derives from the Greek Stephanos, meaning crown or wreath. In ancient Greece, winners of athletic competitions and honored poets received stephanos, a crown of laurel or olive branches. The name entered Christianity through Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. As a girls name, Stephen joins a tradition of royal-sounding names crossing gender lines.
What is the origin of the name Stephen?
Stephen has Greek, English, Irish, European, and Christian origins. In Greek, it means "crown, wreath". In Greek, it means "victorious crown".
Is Stephen a boy or girl name?
Stephen is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #28857. As a boy name, it is ranked #378. Stephen is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Stephen?
Stephen is pronounced st-EEV-uhn.
How popular is the name Stephen?
Stephen is currently ranked #28857 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Stephen?
Common nicknames for Stephen include Stevie and Steph.
What are good middle names for Stephen?
Popular middle name pairings include Stephen Rose, Stephen Mae, Stephen Grace, Stephen Ann, and Stephen Jean.
What are good sibling names for Stephen?
Names that pair well with Stephen as siblings include Michael, Patrick, Catherine, and Bridget.
How many syllables does Stephen have?
Stephen has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Stephen a common or rare name?
Stephen is an uncommon name, ranked #28857 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Stephen?
About the Name Stephen
Stephen is a girl name with English, Irish, Greek, European, and Christian origins . The name means "crown, wreath" in Greek .
Is Stephen a boy or girl name? Stephen is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #28,857 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #378. Stephen is more commonly used as a boy name.
Stephen is currently ranked #28,857 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Stephen has 2 syllables and is pronounced st-EEV-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Stephen include Stevie and Steph. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Stephen include Stephanie, Stephany . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis