Stephanos

Stephanos is a male given name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word stephanos meaning crown or wreath. It is the source of several variant forms in different languages, including Stefanos, Stefános in some contexts, and the international forms Stephen (English), Stefano (Italian), and Stéphane (French). The name has been common in Greek-speaking regions since antiquity and continues to be used in modern times.

In Christian tradition, Saint Stephen, known in Greek as Stephanos, is revered as the first Christian martyr. He appears in the Acts of the Apostles as one of the seven deacons chosen to administer charitable distributions to the community. His speech before the Sanhedrin and his subsequent martyrdom by stoning are central to early Christian hagiography. His feast day is celebrated on December 26 in Western churches and on December 27 in some Eastern churches.

Today, Stephanos remains common in Greece and among Greek communities abroad, often transliterated as Stefanos in Latin script. The name also occurs in its broader international variants, such as Stephen in English, Stefano in Italian, and Stéphane in French. The form and spelling can vary by language and culture, but the name continues to carry the original meaning of crown or wreath.