Stephenson is an English surname and given name that has a long history and rich meaning. It is derived from the Middle English word "Stephenson," which was used to denote someone who worked as a stone mason or stonemason. The name is composed of two elements: "steven," which means "stone" in Old French, and "son," which means "son" in Old French.
The origin of the surname Stephenson can be traced back to the Anglo-Norman period in England, around the 12th century. During this time, many Normans settled in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066, bringing with them their own names and customs. The name Stephenson was likely brought to England by these Norman settlers and gradually became more common among the English population over time.
The meaning behind the surname Stephenson is thought to be literal rather than metaphorical. It was originally used to refer to someone who worked with stone or masonry, possibly as a stonemason or a stonecutter. However, as the name was passed down through generations and became more widespread, its meaning may have evolved to encompass other professions that involved working with stone, such as architects or builders.
Throughout history, there have been many notable individuals with the surname Stephenson who have made significant contributions in various fields. One of the most famous is Robert Stephenson (1803-1859), a prominent English civil engineer known for his work on the development of railway systems during the Industrial Revolution. Another notable figure is George Stephenson (1781-1848), also an engineer who was responsible for designing and building many early railways in England.
In modern times, Stephenson continues to be used as both a surname and a given name, particularly in English-speaking countries such as Britain, the United States, Canada, and Australia. Despite its long history and rich meaning, it remains relatively uncommon compared to other names with similar origins or meanings.
Overall, the name Stephenson offers an intriguing glimpse into England's medieval past while also being a recognizable and respected name today. Its literal yet meaningful origin story adds depth and character to those who bear this name, whether as a surname or given name.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births given the name Stephenson in the United States over several decades, from 1944 to 2014.
From 1944 to 1953, there was a noticeable increase in babies named Stephenson, with the highest peak being 13 births in 1953. However, this trend began to decline afterwards, with no more than 8 births annually from 1956 onwards.
The years 1967 and 1969 marked another slight uptick in popularity for the name Stephenson, with 5 births each year. This was followed by a steady decline until reaching a low of only 5 births per year between 1985 and 2002, except for a brief spike to 9 births in 1981.
Interestingly, the early 21st century saw a renewed interest in the name Stephenson, with consistent numbers ranging from 5 to 7 births annually from 1993 onwards. The most recent data available shows that there were still 5 babies named Stephenson in both 2011 and 2014.
In total, over this 70-year period, there were 217 children born in the United States with the name Stephenson. These statistics provide insight into how the popularity of this particular name has evolved throughout time, demonstrating that while it may not have been consistently popular, it has nonetheless remained a choice for parents across several generations.