Stephen: Meaning, origin and popularity

Pronounced STEE-vuhn · 2 syllables

Stephen means “crown, wreath; to put round, to surround”, from Greek and Latin.

From Latin Stephanus, from Ancient Greek (Stephanos), from (stephanos, “crown, wreath”), from (stepho, “to put round, to surround”). From *stegwh- (“to enlace”) + - (-nos, suffix forming an adjective or noun) from Proto-Indo-European *-nos (suffix forming a verbal adjective from a verb stem).

Meaning: crown, wreath; to put round, to surround
Origin: Greek, Latin
Pronunciation: STEE-vuhn
US rank (2025): #383
US babies a year: about 895 (2021–2025)
Peak: around 1950
Style: Vintage, Classic

How popular is Stephen?

Stephen was the #383 name in the US in 2025, given to 829 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 41% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1950.

Babies named Stephen in the US by five-year period, relative to its peak (around 1950).

Around the world

Country	Rank
United States	#383
England & Wales	#565
Scotland	#305
Northern Ireland	#152
Ireland	#229
Canada	#565
Australia	#913

How old are people named Stephen?

Half of US adults named Stephen are older than 58; most are between 28 and 79. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)

Sibling names for Stephen

Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Stephen have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.

Names like Stephen

Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.

On these lists

Questions about Stephen

What does the name Stephen mean?

Stephen means “crown, wreath; to put round, to surround”. It comes from Greek and Latin.

How do you pronounce Stephen?

Stephen is pronounced STEE-vuhn.

How popular is the name Stephen?

Stephen was the #383 name in the US in 2025, given to 829 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 41% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1950.

How old are people named Stephen?

Half of US adults named Stephen are older than 58. Most are between 28 and 79.