What does Steven mean and where does it come from?
Despite being commonly regarded as a male name, Steven has increasingly been adopted as a female name, particularly in contemporary times. Its roots trace back to the Greek name 'Stephanos' (Στέφανος), which signifies 'crown' or 'garland,' typically symbolizing victory. The adaptation into a female
Cultural significance
Steven has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of crown, garland.
Peak popularity
Reached #10 in 1955 — currently #251 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Steven?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Steven?
Steven works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Steven Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Steven Rose
Floral · soft ending
Steven Mae
Sweet · timeless
Steven Claire
French influence · crisp
Steven Jane
Literary · strong
Steven Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Steven right now?
Holding steady — currently #251 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #251 | 1,394 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #256 | 1,350 | ▼ down 21 · -11% births |
| 2021 | #235 | 1,512 | ▼ down 11 · -9% births |
| 2020 | #224 | 1,661 | ▼ down 70 · -39% births |
| 2015 | #154 | 2,702 | ▼ down 37 · -21% births |
| 2010 | #117 | 3,431 | ▼ down 34 · -32% births |
| 2005 | #83 | 5,075 | ▼ down 29 · -31% births |
| 2000 | #54 | 7,359 | ▼ down 17 · -31% births |
| 1995 | #37 | 10,660 | ▼ down 12 · -43% births |
| 1990 | #25 | 18,753 | ▼ down 1 |
| 1985 | #24 | 18,724 | ▲ up 4 · +18% births |
| 1980 | #28 | 15,917 | ▼ down 10 · -7% births |
| 1975 | #18 | 17,063 | ▼ down 3 · -36% births |
| 1970 | #15 | 26,816 | ▼ down 1 · -4% births |
| 1965 | #14 | 27,989 | — |
The story of Steven
Steven has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #10 in 1955, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 1291K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #441 in 1880 to #251 in 2023. Steven is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Steven in 1955:
Steven by decade
Steven peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 177 | |
| 1890s | 186 | |
| 1900s | 338 | |
| 1910s | 2,530 | |
| 1920s | 3,642 | |
| 1930s | 4,836 | |
| 1940s | 81,352 | |
| 1950s ★ | 334,148 | |
| 1960s | 291,598 | |
| 1970s | 189,259 | |
| 1980s | 178,618 | |
| 1990s | 121,441 | |
| 2000s | 53,988 | |
| 2010s | 26,806 | |
| 2020s | 1,661 | |
What are good nicknames for Steven?
ENGLISH
SteStephSteveStevie
What names sound and feel like Steven?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Steven also consider these
How is Steven written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Steven?
Common questions about the name Steven
What does the name Steven mean?
Steven means "crown, garland" — a name rooted in English 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 Steven?
Steven is currently ranked #251 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 Steven?
Steven originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Steven?
Steven is a three-syllable name pronounced S EY1 N T EH1 V AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Steven?
Steven pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.