"crown, wreath"
Stephan
Pronunciation: [ st-EHF-uhn ]
A crowned classic worn by saints and kings
Meaning & Origin
"victors garland"
The Story of Stephan
Stephan derives from the Greek Stephanos (Στέφανος) meaning crown or wreath, originally referring to the laurel wreaths awarded to victors in ancient competitions. Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr whose story appears in Acts, spread this name throughout the Christian world. The Germanic spelling Stephan (without the e) is particularly common in Germany, Austria, and France.
Stephan is the Continental European variant that has maintained steady usage while its English cousin Steven peaked in the 1950s-70s. Parents choosing Stephan often appreciate its international feel and classic heritage.
Stephen/Stefan/Stephan has been borne by numerous European royals and saints, including St. Stephen of Hungary (patron saint of Hungary) and multiple kings of medieval Europe. The name remains a mark of classic European heritage.
Fun Facts
- Saint Stephen is the patron saint of Hungary, deacons, and stonemasons
- The name Stephanos was used for both men and women in ancient Greece
Stephan in Other Languages
Famous People Named Stephan
Stephan Moccio
Musician
1970
Canadian pianist and songwriter who co-wrote Miley Cyrus hits
Stephan Pastis
Artist
1968
American cartoonist and creator of the comic strip Pearls Before Swine
Saint Stephen
Religious
First Christian martyr, whose stoning is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,726
- Total SSA Count
- 96
- Cultural Origins
- German French English Scandinavian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Stephan is also used as a girl name, ranked #16697.
View Stephan as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Stephan
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About the Name Stephan
Stephan is a boy name with German, French, English, and Scandinavian origins . The name means "crown, wreath" in Greek .
Is Stephan a boy or girl name? Stephan is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,726 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #16,697. Stephan is more commonly used as a boy name.
Stephan is currently ranked #1,726 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Stephan has 2 syllables and is pronounced st-EHF-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Stephan include Steve and Steph. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Stephan include Stephen, Stephon . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.