Stephen is a name of English origin, derived from the Latin word "stephanus," which means "crown" or "garland." It is believed to have been brought to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066.
The name Stephen has a long and rich history. Saint Stephen was one of the first Christian martyrs, stoned to death for his faith around the year 35. He is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament of the Bible, and his feast day is celebrated on December 26th.
The name Stephen was popular among early Christians due to its association with Saint Stephen, and it became a common given name throughout Europe during the Middle Ages. In England, the name Stephen was particularly prevalent during the reign of King Stephen (1135-1154), who was known for his role in the Anarchy, a period of civil war between supporters of his cousin, the Empress Matilda, and those of his rival, King Henry II.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Stephen. These include Stephen Hawking, the renowned physicist and cosmologist; Stephen King, the best-selling horror novelist; and Stephen Spielberg, the acclaimed film director and producer.
Today, Stephen is still a popular given name in English-speaking countries, with its variants, such as Stefan and Steven, also being widely used. It is often associated with qualities such as wisdom, leadership, and strength, although these attributes are not inherent to the name itself but rather reflect the achievements of individuals who have borne it throughout history.
In conclusion, Stephen is a name of Latin origin that has been popular in English-speaking countries for centuries. With its historical association with Saint Stephen and numerous notable figures, it continues to be a beloved choice for parents seeking a classic yet distinguished name for their sons.
The statistics provided show the number of babies named Stephen born in the United States each year from 1959 to 1990. The name's popularity fluctuated over this period, with a total of 49 births recorded across these years.
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Stephen was relatively uncommon, with only five babies named Stephen in 1959. However, it became more popular in the following decades. The name's highest point of popularity occurred in the mid-1980s, with nine babies named Stephen in 1984.
Throughout this period, the name Stephen maintained a consistent level of popularity, with an average of six births per year from 1969 to 1982. After a slight dip in the late 1980s, it rebounded to seven births in 1986 and remained steady at five births per year until 1990.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate that while Stephen was not among the most popular names of its time, it maintained a consistent level of popularity throughout the decades from the late 1950s to the early 1990s in the United States.