Stephanie is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It means "crown" or "garland" and is derived from the Greek word "stephanos," which refers to a victor's wreath or crown. The name Stephanie has been in use since the Middle Ages, although it was not particularly popular until the 20th century.
The earliest recorded use of the name Stephanie can be traced back to France in the 15th century. It is believed that the name was brought to France by Byzantine Greeks who settled there during that time period. The name Stephanie became more widespread throughout Europe over the following centuries, particularly among French and German-speaking populations.
In the English-speaking world, the name Stephanie began to gain popularity in the late 19th century. By the mid-20th century, it had become one of the most popular girls' names in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Today, Stephanie remains a popular choice for parents naming their daughters, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Some notable individuals with the name Stephanie include American actresses Stephanie Powers and Stephanie Zimbalist, Canadian singer-songwriter Stephanie Lambden, and British journalist and television presenter Stephanie McGovern. Despite its popularity, however, the name Stephanie has not been associated with any particular profession or field of endeavor. Instead, it is simply appreciated for its beauty and elegance.
The given statistics show the annual number of births with the name Stephanie in the United States from 1971 to 1998. The data illustrates a varied trend over the years, with some periods showing an increase in popularity and others demonstrating a decline.
In the early 1970s, the name Stephanie was given to five babies each year in 1971 and 1973. This number increased slightly to six births annually from 1974 to 1975. The peak of popularity for this name during this period occurred in 1976 with eight births, followed by a rise to nine births in 1978.
The late 1970s and early 1980s saw a significant increase in the number of Stephanie births. In 1980, there were five births, but this figure jumped to thirteen in 1981 – more than double the previous year's total. This high level of popularity continued into the mid-1980s, with fourteen births in 1983 and ten births in 1984.
The late 1980s showed a fluctuating trend for the name Stephanie. There were five births in 1987, but this number increased to twelve in both 1988 and 1989. The popularity of the name then peaked at seventeen births in 1990.
However, the early to mid-1990s saw a decrease in Stephanie births, with only five or six babies given this name each year from 1993 to 1996. This downward trend was briefly interrupted by ten births in 1995, but overall, there was a notable decline in the popularity of the name Stephanie during these years.
In conclusion, the statistics demonstrate that while the name Stephanie experienced periods of significant popularity between the late 1970s and mid-1980s, as well as in 1990, its popularity waned in the early to mid-1990s. Throughout this period, a total of 206 babies were named Stephanie in the United States.