Stefan is of German origin, derived from the word 'steu', which means 'crown' or 'wreath'. It was initially used as a short form for names beginning with 'Stefan-', such as Stefanus and Steffan. The name gained popularity during the Middle Ages in Europe, particularly among Germanic-speaking regions like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In its Latinized form, Stephanus, it became quite common among Christians due to its association with Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Spelling variations of Stefan include Stefano (Italian), Esteban (Spanish), and István (Hungarian). The name has been adopted by many cultures over time, contributing to its widespread usage around the world.
"Stefan's popularity as a baby name peaked in 1985 with 13 births, declining to its lowest point in 1986 with just 7 births."