Shtjefën

Shtjefën is the Albanian form of the given name Stephen, which comes from the Greek Stephanos meaning crown or garland. The name has long been used in Albanian-speaking communities and remains common in Albania, Kosovo, and among the Albanian diaspora. As a masculine given name, it has been borne by various priests, scholars, and public figures in Albanian history and culture. The name is tied to Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, and its use reflects the Christian heritage present in many Albanian communities. The veneration of Saint Stephen in both Catholic and Orthodox traditions has contributed to the name's continued usage in religious and cultural contexts, including in churches, schools, and local traditions.

Notable bearers include Shtjefën Gjeçovi, an Albanian Catholic priest and ethnographer who documented Kosovo-Albanian folklore and contributed to the preservation of Albanian cultural identity.

Today, Shtjefën is still used in Albania and among Albanian communities abroad, reflecting the broader pattern of adopting traditional Christian names in local forms.