Holding steady.
Popularity of Sten since 1945
Babies named Sten per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 11 |
| 1960s | 66 |
| 1970s | 37 |
| 1980s | 23 |
| 1990s | 20 |
| 2000s | 8 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Sten is a Scandinavian masculine name with roots in the Old Norse word for 'stone', reflecting a tradition of nature-derived names. Its earliest recorded use in U.S. data dates to 1945, but it has never entered the top 1000 rankings, remaining a rare import. The name saw its highest usage in the 1970s, peaking in 1970, though even then it was uncommon. In recent years, the trajectory has been stable, with very few annual registrations. While not associated with any U.S. states as a localized favorite, Sten carries a straightforward, sturdy image that appeals to families with Scandinavian heritage or a preference for short, underused names.
Sten is a Scandinavian name derived from the Old Norse 'steinn', meaning 'stone'. It has been used in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway since medieval times, often as a short form of names like Stenhard or as a standalone name. In modern usage, it remains most common in Sweden.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Steen, Steinn
Sibling names for Sten
Names that share Sten's style, for a brother or sister.
