Stephanie is a feminine given name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word "stephanos," which means "crown" or "garland." This name was traditionally used to represent victory or success. The name Stephanie gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the late Middle Ages and has remained popular ever since.
The name Stephanie first appeared in the 12th century in France, where it was a variation of the French name Estephanie, which was itself derived from the Greek name Stephanos. Over time, the name evolved into its current spelling and pronunciation.
Stephanie is often associated with several notable historical figures, such as Sainte Stephanie, who was a Christian martyr during the Roman Empire's persecution of Christians in the 4th century. Despite this association, the name Stephanie has remained popular regardless of religious affiliation.
In literature, Stephanie appears as a character in various works, including "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas and "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens. These appearances have further contributed to the name's popularity and recognition.
Today, Stephanie remains a popular given name for girls around the world. Its timeless association with success and victory has made it a beloved choice among parents seeking a strong and meaningful name for their daughters.
The name Stephanie appears to have gained significant popularity over time, with a steep rise in usage from the late 1930s onwards. The peak of its popularity seems to have occurred between 1980 and 1990, during which there were consistently over 20,000 births each year. However, since then, the number of Stephanie births has been declining steadily, reaching a low of just 657 in 2022. Overall, it appears that this name was quite popular for several decades but has now fallen out of favor compared to its peak years.