Stephanine is a feminine given name of Greek origin. Its meaning is derived from the Greek word "stephanos," which translates to "crown" or "garland." The name Stephanine was traditionally bestowed upon girls born into families with strong religious ties, as it has been associated with Christianity since its earliest use.
The history of the name Stephanine can be traced back to early Christian times. In ancient Greece, a wreath or garland made of leaves and flowers was known as a "stephanos." This term was later adopted by early Christians to symbolize the crown of thorns worn by Jesus Christ during his crucifixion. As a result, the name Stephanine came to represent purity, devotion, and martyrdom in the eyes of early Christian believers.
Over time, the use of the name Stephanine spread beyond Greece and into other European countries. It became popular among families who wished to honor their religious beliefs by giving their daughters names with spiritual significance. Today, Stephanine continues to be an uncommon yet meaningful name that carries a rich historical background rooted in ancient Greek culture and early Christian tradition.
In terms of its popularity, Stephanine has never been a widely used given name. However, it does appear occasionally throughout history, often among individuals who played significant roles in various fields such as politics, literature, or the arts. For example, there was a French author named Stephanie-Felicie du Crest de Saint-Aubin (1784-1852) who wrote under the pen name "Mme de Genlis." While not extremely common, Stephanine remains an elegant and timeless choice for parents seeking a unique yet meaningful name for their daughter.
In conclusion, Stephanine is a beautiful and uncommon feminine given name with roots in ancient Greek culture and early Christian tradition. Its meaning, derived from the Greek word "stephanos," represents purity, devotion, and martyrdom – values that have resonated with families throughout history who wished to honor their religious beliefs by choosing this meaningful name for their daughters.
Statistics on the name Stephanie show a varying trend over time in the United States. In the late 1960s to early 1970s, there were fewer than 10 babies named Stephanie each year, with a total of 5 births in 1966, 9 births in 1967, and 6 births in both 1969 and 1972.
However, the popularity of the name started to increase in the mid-1980s. There were 8 babies named Stephanie born each year from 1981 to 1983, followed by 7 births in 1984 and 9 births in 1985. This upward trend continued into the early 1990s, with a peak of 12 births in 1988 and 11 births in 1989.
Overall, there were a total of 143 babies named Stephanie born in the United States between 1966 and 1991. This data demonstrates how names can fluctuate in popularity over time, with Stephanie experiencing a notable increase in usage during this period.