stephen

Stephen is a masculine given name of Greek origin. It derives from Stephanos, meaning crown or wreath, a symbol of honor. The name was popularized in Christian contexts by Saint Stephen, the first martyr of the church, and was adopted across Europe, often in Latin as Stephanus. In English, the spellings Stephen and Steven developed, with Stephen tending to be more traditional and Steven more contemporary.

Variants and related forms include Stefan (German, Dutch, and Scandinavian), Stefano (Italian), Étienne (French), Esteban (Spanish), and Stepan (Russian and Slavic). The feminine form is Stephanie. Diminutives and nicknames include Steve and Stevie.

Cultural usage: Stephen has been widely used in English-speaking countries and other parts of Europe. It has appeared in religious, literary, and public life, contributing to the spread of various spellings and cultural adaptations. The name remains common in many regions, though its relative popularity has fluctuated over time.

Notable people named Stephen include Stephen Hawking, the theoretical physicist known for his work on cosmology and black holes; Stephen King, a prolific American author of horror and suspense; Stephen Colbert, an American comedian and television host; Stephen Fry, an English actor, writer, and broadcaster; and Stephen Curry, an American professional basketball player. The name is shared by numerous figures across fields such as politics, science, and the arts.