Stephen
/ˈstiːvən/noun
A masculine given name of Greek origin.
Did you know?Saint Stephen, whose name means “crown,” is traditionally regarded as Christianity’s first martyr, making the name’s symbolism both triumphant and sacrificial.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*stebh-
“To support, stiffen, or form a fixed structure; a proposed ancestral root connected with the Greek crown word.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
στέφανος (stephanos)
“A crown or wreath, especially one awarded as a prize or worn in victory.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Στέφανος (Stephanos)
“A masculine personal name meaning “crown” or “wreath.””
Late Antiquity
Latin
Stephanus
“The Latin form of the Greek personal name, used in early Christian texts.”
Old English
Old English
Stefan
“An early English form of the Christian name, introduced through ecclesiastical and biblical tradition.”
Middle English
English
Stephen
“A spelling influenced by French and Latin forms of the name.”
Modern English
English
Stephen
“A masculine given name, commonly pronounced “STEE-vən.””
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