Etienne is a French masculine given name, derived from the Latin name Stephanus. It means "crown" or "garland," signifying victory or triumph. The name was popular among the early Christian martyrs and saints, including Saint Stephen, who was stoned to death for his faith. Etienne is often associated with strength, courage, and steadfastness, qualities attributed to those named after him. In France, it has been a traditional choice for centuries, with notable figures such as Étienne de la Boétie, a French humanist writer, and Étienne-Jules Marey, a pioneering photographer and physiologist, bearing the name. Etienne is also used in other French-speaking countries and regions, including Belgium, Canada, and Switzerland. As an international name, it has gained popularity globally, with variants like Esteban in Spain, Estevão in Portugal, and István in Hungary. In English-speaking countries, it may be encountered as Stephen or Steven, both of which share Etienne's Latin root and meaning.
The name Etienne experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable surge starting from the late 1960s until the mid-1980s, peaking at 38 births in 1994. However, since then, its popularity has declined, with fewer than 35 births recorded each year from 2007 onwards. Despite these shifts, Etienne remains a classic name with a total of 1565 births recorded over the given period.