Stephan

Stephan is a masculine given name of European origin, used primarily in German-speaking countries but found in many languages. It is a spelling variant of Stephen, which derives from the Greek Stephanos, meaning crown or wreath. The form Stephan is common in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and it has several international variants, including Stefan, Steffen, Stepan, Stefano, Stéphane, and Steven/Stephen.

The name's enduring popularity is partly linked to Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, whose legacy contributed to the widespread use of the name in Western Christendom. In modern times, Stephan remains a traditional choice in Central Europe and in diaspora communities around the world.

As a surname, Stephan is attested in some regions but is far less common than the given name. The name exists in many languages with localized forms, reflecting different orthographies and pronunciations.

Related names include Stephen, Steven, Stefan, and Stefano. The spelling Stephan is one of several variants that illustrate how the same root name has adapted to diverse linguistic traditions.