Stephanie is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It was derived from the Greek word "stephanos," which means "crown" or "garland." The name Stephanie has been used in various forms throughout history, often as a variant of the name Stephen, which means "crowned with victory."
The name Stephanie gained popularity during the Middle Ages in Europe, particularly among Christians. It was often given to girls who were born around Christmas time or to those who were believed to have been touched by divine grace. In some cultures, it is also associated with purity and chastity.
In literature, one of the most notable characters named Stephanie is Stephanie "Steve" Cooley from Stephen King's novel "The Stand." The character's name is a nod to her strong and resilient nature, reflecting the meaning of the name itself.
Today, Stephanie remains a popular choice for parents naming their daughters. It has consistently ranked among the top 1000 names given to baby girls in the United States since the 1970s. Variations of the name include Stephanie, Stefanie, Stephaine, and Stephany, among others.
The name Stephanie has been a popular choice among parents in the United States for many years, with a notable spike in its popularity during the late 20th century.
According to U.S. Social Security Administration data, there was only one birth per year of the name Stephanie from 1930 to 1958. However, this changed dramatically starting in the early 1960s when the name began gaining traction and reached its peak popularity between 1985 and 1994.
During these years, Stephanie was among the top ten most popular baby girl names in the United States each year. In fact, it ranked as the sixth most popular girls' name in 1985, with a total of 32,765 births that year alone!
However, after its peak popularity in the mid-1980s to early 1990s, the name Stephanie began declining gradually over time. By 2010, it had dropped out of the top ten most popular names list entirely.
Despite this decline, Stephanie remains a widely recognized and beloved name across generations. According to the Social Security Administration's data, as of 2020, there were approximately 358,474 individuals named Stephanie living in the United States today – making it one of the most common female names in American history.
Moreover, looking at trends globally, Stephanie has also been popular outside of America. For instance, in Canada and Australia, this name reached its peak popularity during similar time periods to that seen in the U.S., showing how some baby naming trends can transcend national borders.
In conclusion, while the name Stephanie may have experienced fluctuations in popularity over the years, it remains a classic choice among parents looking for a timeless and recognizable name option.