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 had a fluctuating popularity over the years. In its early years (1880-1940), it was relatively uncommon, with an average of around 20 births per year. However, starting in 1941, there was a significant increase in its popularity, reaching a peak in 1956 with 38,409 births. This trend continued until the late 1970s when it began to decline steadily. By 2023, the number of annual births named Steven had decreased to around 1,387, indicating a significant drop from its peak popularity. Overall, there were a total of 1,290,496 babies named Steven between 1880 and 2023.