Declining since 1989, #6,838 for girls today.
Popularity of Stefani since 1939
Babies named Stefani per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 5 |
| 1940s | 87 |
| 1950s | 211 |
| 1960s | 557 |
| 1970s | 1,133 |
| 1980s | 1,817 |
| 1990s | 1,898 |
| 2000s | 914 |
| 2010s | 306 |
| 2020s | 105 |
Meaning & origin
Stefani is an Italian variant of Stephanie, itself the feminine form of Stephen. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1939 and saw its peak popularity in 1990, when it ranked highest. Since then, its usage has steadily declined; it has been falling since 1989. In 2023, approximately 1 in 100,454 girls were named Stefani, placing it at rank 6,838. The name was most common in California among top states. Its etymological meaning, "crown," ties it to a long Christian tradition through Saint Stephen. While less common than the English Stephanie, Stefani offers a distinctly Italian flair, echoing names like Sofia and Valentina. The name's trajectory mirrors broader trends in Italian-American naming, with a peak in the late 20th century. Despite its decline, Stefani remains a recognizable and melodic choice, with the nickname Stevie adding a modern touch.
Stefani is the Italian feminine form of Stephen, derived from the Greek name Stephanos, meaning "crown" or "garland." The name spread throughout Europe via early Christian saints, notably Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. In Italy, Stefani has been used since the Middle Ages, and its popularity in the United States peaked during the 1990s.
Where Stefani is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Stef, Fani, Stevie
Sibling names for Stefani
Names that share Stefani's style, for a brother or sister.
