Steponas

Steponas is a given name of Lithuanian origin, derived from the Greek name Stephanos, meaning "crown" or "wreath." It is a common personal name in Lithuania. The historical figure Steponas Darius was a Lithuanian aviator who, along with Steponas Girėnas, attempted to fly across the Atlantic Ocean from New York to Kaunas in 1933. Their flight, known as the Lituanica, ended tragically when their plane crashed in the Forest of Puszcza Kampinoska, Poland, under unexplained circumstances. Darius and Girėnas are celebrated as national heroes in Lithuania for their courage and endeavor. The name Steponas is also used in other contexts, sometimes as a surname or as a place name. However, its primary association remains with the given name and the legacy of Darius and Girėnas. The name's roots in antiquity and its association with achievement have contributed to its enduring popularity.