MallowbyNames

Stephan

STEF-ən · Crown, garland

2025 rank (boys)
#1,837
Babies named in 2025
86
Peak popularity
1987
2025 frequency
1 in 19,861 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 1988

Declining since 1988, #1,837 for boys today.

Popularity of Stephan since 1895

Babies named Stephan per year in U.S. Social Security records.

193386579192019602000Most births 1989Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1890s19
1900s21
1910s285
1920s216
1930s285
1940s1,931
1950s4,498
1960s4,275
1970s3,179
1980s4,324
1990s4,343
2000s2,040
2010s1,566
2020s699

Meaning & origin

Stephan is a classic Greek-derived name meaning crown, a variant of the more common Stephen. It has been in use in the United States since at least 1895, with its peak popularity occurring in 1987. Since then, its use has been on a steady decline, a trajectory that has continued through 2025, when it ranked 1,837. The name is found most frequently in Indiana, Florida, and Texas. While never extremely common, Stephan has maintained a consistent presence, appealing to parents who prefer a slightly less traditional spelling.

Stephan is a variant of Stephen, from the Greek name Stephanos, meaning crown or garland. It entered English via the Latin Stephanus. The name has been used across Europe in various forms, often associated with early Christian saints, including Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr.

Where Stephan is most popular

Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

2020s
Fewermore per 100k boystoo few births

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Steve, Stevie, Stef

Variants: Stephen, Steven, Stefan, Stefano, Étienne

Sibling names for Stephan

Names that share Stephan's style, for a brother or sister.

Names like Stephan

Names whose popularity has moved with Stephan's over the last 50 years.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

S is for Stephan, our favorite little boy.

S is for Stephan…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Stephan's letter becomes Stephan's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Stephan's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Stephan mean?
Stephan means crown or garland, derived from the Greek name Stephanos.
How popular is the name Stephan today?
Stephan ranked 1,837 in the United States in 2025, with about 1 in every 19,861 newborn boys given the name that year.
Is Stephan a boy's name or a girl's name?
Stephan is traditionally a boy's name.