Stefanos

Stefanos is a masculine given name of Greek origin. It derives from the Greek word stephanos, meaning crown or wreath, and is cognate with the English name Stephen. In Greek, the name is written as Στέφανος and is commonly transliterated in several ways, including Stefános, Stephanos, and Stephanos. The form Stefanos is widely used in Greece and among Greek-speaking communities worldwide, while Stephanos appears frequently in religious and historical contexts.

The name has long historical and religious associations in the Greek Orthodox tradition, notably with Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. As a result, Stefanos is a common name in Greece and in Greek communities, and it appears on name days and in church calendars. The name also reflects broader Greek naming patterns that emphasize heritage and religious symbolism.

Usage outside Greece often reflects diaspora communities where Greek culture and language influence naming choices. Variants and transliterations help maintain the link to Greek roots across different languages and alphabets. The feminine forms Stefania or Stefanie are used in various languages, while the English equivalents are Stephen (masculine) and Stephanie (feminine).

Notable individuals named Stefanos include Stefanos Tsitsipas, a Greek professional tennis player who has achieved top rankings on the ATP Tour and gained international recognition for his performances. The name Stefanos continues to be a traditional and widely recognized Greek name, used by families seeking a connection to Greek heritage and history.