Stevan

Stevan is a masculine given name used in South Slavic languages, especially in Serbian, Montenegrin, and Bosnian contexts. It is a variant of Stephen/Steven, derived from the Greek Stephanos, meaning crown or wreath. In these languages, Stevan is the native form and has several related names and surnames formed from it, such as Stefan or Stevanović.

The name has been borne by various notable individuals in literature, music, science, and history. Stevan Mokranjac, full name Stevan Stojanović Mokranjac (1856–1914), was a prominent Serbian composer and choirmaster who helped shape modern Serbian musical culture. Stevan Sremac (1855–1906) was a Serbian writer known for his witty depictions of urban life in Belgrade and the surrounding region. Stevan Raičković (1928–2000) was a Serbian poet whose work contributed to postwar Yugoslav literature. Stevan Harnad (born 1945) is a Canadian-American cognitive scientist and computer scientist noted for his work on the concept of symbolic networks and the brain–mind interface. Stevan Sinđelić, a Serbian revolutionary figure in the early 19th century, is recalled for his role in the First Serbian Uprising.

Beyond these figures, Stevan remains a common given name in the region, reflecting cultural and linguistic ties to the broader Stephen/Steven tradition. The name’s usage in literature, music, and scholarship across generations helps illustrate its enduring presence in South Slavic naming practices.