Stephanie is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "stephanos," which means "crown" or "garland." The name Stephanie is also associated with the Greek mythological figure Stephanos, who was a young man turned into a crown of flowers by the gods.
The name Stephanie has been popular throughout history. In the Middle Ages, it was often used as a diminutive form of the name Stefan, which was itself derived from the Latin word "stephanus," meaning "crowned." The name Stephanie became particularly popular in France during the 19th century and has since become widely recognized around the world.
Today, Stephanie remains a popular name for girls. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, it was one of the top 50 most popular girl names between 2000 and 2018. Variations of the name include Stephanie, Stefanie, Stephani, and Stephany.
Overall, the name Stephanie has a rich history and a meaningful origin. Its association with the Greek word "stephanos" gives it a regal and elegant quality, while its widespread use throughout history makes it a familiar and well-loved name around the world.
The name Stephanie has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past five decades, with peaks and troughs in its usage.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Stephanie was given to around 5-8 babies per year. This number steadily increased throughout the 1970s, reaching a high of 13 births in both 1979 and 1980.
The 1980s were the heyday for the name Stephanie, with over 20 births each year from 1982 to 1985. The peak was reached in 1985 with 29 babies named Stephanie. This popularity continued into the early 1990s, but began to decline thereafter.
By the late 1990s and early 2000s, the number of births for the name Stephanie had fallen significantly, with only 5-8 babies per year being given this name. Despite this decrease in popularity, over 397 babies have been named Stephanie in the United States since 1967.
It is interesting to note that while Stephanie was particularly popular among parents in the 1980s and early 1990s, it has maintained a steady presence among baby names throughout this period. This demonstrates how traditional and enduring this name can be, despite fluctuations in its popularity over time.