Stephen is a name of English origin, derived from the Greek name Stephanos, which means "crown" or "wreath." It was often used in the Byzantine Empire as a royal title and eventually became associated with St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, who was stoned to death for his faith. According to the Acts of the Apostles in the Bible, Stephen was known for his wisdom and faith, which led to his persecution by religious authorities.
The name Stephen has been popular throughout history, particularly among royalty and nobility. In medieval times, it was often used as a royal title or given to princes and kings, such as Stephen I of Hungary and Stephen II of England. Today, Stephen is still a popular name in many English-speaking countries, ranking high on popularity charts in places like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Some notable figures with the name Stephen include:
* Stephen Hawking (1942-2018), a renowned theoretical physicist and cosmologist
* Stephen King, an American author of horror novels and short stories
* Stephen Colbert, an American comedian, political satirist, and host of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
* Stephen Curry, an American professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors
Overall, the name Stephen has a long and rich history, with roots dating back to ancient Greece and biblical times. Its meaning and associations have evolved over centuries, but it remains a strong and respected name in many cultures around the world today.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Stephen has had varying levels of popularity over time in the United States. The highest peak was reached in the late 1980s, with 8 babies named Stephen born in 1987, which is also the year when this name had its most successful year in terms of births during the given period.
Over the span of four decades (from 1953 to 1992), there were a total of 57 births with the name Stephen in the United States. This demonstrates that while the name Stephen has not been extremely common, it has remained consistently popular throughout these years. The most recent year for which data is provided is 1989, when 6 babies were named Stephen.
These statistics highlight that the name Stephen has maintained a steady level of popularity among parents in the United States over time. While its peak occurred more than three decades ago, it continues to be chosen as a given name for newborn boys during this period.