Steven is a popular English given name that has gained significant popularity worldwide. Its origin can be traced back to the Late Middle Ages when it was used as an English diminutive of the Germanic name Stephen, which means "crown" or "garland." The name Steven has also been associated with the Latin word "stephanus," meaning "crowned."
The name Steven gained prominence during the Victorian era in England and has since become one of the most common names in various English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. It is also popular in countries like Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark.
Historically, the name Steven has been borne by several notable figures throughout history. One of the earliest known bearers of this name was Saint Stephen, who was a deacon and the first Christian martyr according to Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament. Other famous Stevens include American singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder, British novelist Steven King, and former United States President Steven Roosevelt.
Overall, the name Steven is a classic choice with a rich history and strong roots in English culture. Its meaning "crowned" or "garland" lends an air of regal elegance to this timeless name.
The name Steven has been quite popular in the United States over the past century and a half. From 1880 to 1946, there were consistently fewer than 50 births per year with this name. However, starting in 1947, the number of babies named Steven began to increase dramatically.
In that year alone, there were 13,529 births with the name Steven, marking a significant turning point in its popularity. This trend continued through the 1950s and 1960s, reaching a peak in 1954 when 36,628 boys were named Steven.
The height of the name's popularity came during the baby boom era. Between 1950 and 1964, there were over 750,000 births registered as Steven, accounting for nearly half a million Stevens in the U.S.
However, after this peak period, the number of babies named Steven began to decline again. From 1965 onwards, there was a steady decrease in popularity until reaching its lowest point in recent years, with only 1,387 births in 2023.
Overall, since 1880, there have been approximately 1.3 million boys named Steven born in the United States. This name has undoubtedly left its mark on American history and continues to be a classic choice for parents today.