What does Stephen mean and where does it come from?
Despite being traditionally male, Stephen can also be used as a feminine name in modern contexts. It originates from the Greek name 'Στέφανος' (Stephanos), which means 'crown' or 'garland', symbolizing honor and victory. The name has been widely used across many cultures and has several variations,
Cultural significance
Stephen has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of crown or garland.
Peak popularity
Reached #19 in 1949 — currently #383 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Stephen?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Stephen?
Stephen works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Stephen Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Stephen John
One syllable · timeless choice
Stephen Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Stephen Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Stephen Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Stephen Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Stephen right now?
Declining — down 8 spots — currently #383 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #383 | 829 | ▼ down 8 · -5% births |
| 2024 | #375 | 870 | ▼ down 12 · -3% births |
| 2023 | #363 | 898 | ▼ down 5 · -2% births |
| 2022 | #358 | 918 | ▼ down 17 · -4% births |
| 2021 | #341 | 958 | ▼ down 17 · -5% births |
| 2020 | #324 | 1,008 | ▼ down 78 · -33% births |
| 2015 | #246 | 1,494 | ▼ down 45 · -18% births |
| 2010 | #201 | 1,819 | ▼ down 58 · -34% births |
| 2005 | #143 | 2,742 | ▼ down 48 · -34% births |
| 2000 | #95 | 4,135 | ▼ down 38 · -37% births |
| 1995 | #57 | 6,557 | ▼ down 18 · -45% births |
| 1990 | #39 | 11,941 | ▼ down 3 · -2% births |
| 1985 | #36 | 12,210 | ▲ up 4 · +21% births |
| 1980 | #40 | 10,065 | ▼ down 6 · +3% births |
| 1975 | #34 | 9,736 | — |
The story of Stephen
Stephen has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #19 in 1949. Over 863K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Once ranked #84 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #363 in 2023. Stephen is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Stephen in 1949:
Stephen by decade
Stephen peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 1,684 | |
| 1890s | 1,733 | |
| 1900s | 2,247 | |
| 1910s | 13,553 | |
| 1920s | 15,633 | |
| 1930s | 18,352 | |
| 1940s | 107,031 | |
| 1950s ★ | 207,553 | |
| 1960s | 152,718 | |
| 1970s | 108,526 | |
| 1980s | 114,358 | |
| 1990s | 75,367 | |
| 2000s | 28,927 | |
| 2010s | 14,379 | |
| 2020s | 2,707 | |
What are good nicknames for Stephen?
ENGLISH
SteStephSteveStevie
What names sound and feel like Stephen?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Stephen also consider these
How is Stephen written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Stephen?
Common questions about the name Stephen
What does the name Stephen mean?
Stephen means "Crown or Garland" — a name rooted in Greece tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Stephen?
Stephen is currently ranked #363 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Stephen?
Stephen originates from Greece tradition. Greece names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Stephen more of a girl or boy name?
Stephen is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.
What are good nicknames for Stephen?
Stephen naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.