Stephen is a name of English origin, derived from the Greek name "Stephanos," which means "crown" or "garland." It is believed to have been brought to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066 and has been used consistently since then.
The name Stephen was popularized in Britain through the life of Saint Stephen, who was one of Jesus Christ's first martyrs. He was stoned to death for his faith, according to the Acts of the Apostles in the Bible. Due to this biblical figure, the name Stephen became associated with Christianity and has been widely used among Christians ever since.
In literature, the name Stephen has been immortalized by several famous authors. One notable example is James Joyce's "Ulysses," where the main character, Leopold Bloom, often goes by the name "Stephen" or "Stephan." This has contributed to the name's enduring popularity in English-speaking countries.
Through the centuries, the name Stephen has evolved and adapted into various forms and spellings. Some popular variations include Steven, Stefan, Steffen, and Stefano. Despite these variants, the original form of Stephen remains one of the most beloved and timeless names for boys.
The name Stephen has a rich history of popularity in the United States, with a total of over 863,000 births recorded since 1880. The name's popularity fluctuated significantly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with fewer than 200 births per year from 1880 to 1904.
However, starting in 1905, the number of babies named Stephen began to rise sharply. By 1911, there were nearly 500 births, and this number continued to increase throughout the decade, reaching over 2,000 births by 1919. The name's popularity peaked in 1947 with an impressive 17,061 births that year.
The post-World War II era saw a decline in Stephen's popularity, but it remained relatively stable throughout the 1950s and 1960s, hovering around 15,000 to 16,000 births per year. Starting in the early 1970s, however, there was another significant drop-off in popularity.
Between 1972 and 2003, the number of babies named Stephen steadily decreased from around 11,000 births per year to fewer than 3,000. This trend has continued into the 21st century, with only 892 births recorded in 2023.
Despite this decline in popularity, Stephen remains a classic and enduring name choice for parents across the United States. Its strong historical roots and timeless appeal continue to make it an attractive option for parents looking for a name that balances tradition and modernity.