Declining since 1985, #383 for boys today.
Popularity of Stephen since 1880
Babies named Stephen per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,684 |
| 1890s | 1,733 |
| 1900s | 2,247 |
| 1910s | 13,502 |
| 1920s | 15,556 |
| 1930s | 18,272 |
| 1940s | 106,812 |
| 1950s | 207,276 |
| 1960s | 152,240 |
| 1970s | 107,804 |
| 1980s | 113,631 |
| 1990s | 75,160 |
| 2000s | 28,902 |
| 2010s | 14,422 |
| 2020s | 5,498 |
Meaning & origin
Stephen is a name with deep historical roots and enduring appeal. In the most recent United States Social Security data for 2025, Stephen ranks as the 383rd most popular name for newborn boys, with approximately 1 in every 2,060 baby boys receiving the name. This marks a significant decline from its peak in 1951, when it held the 19th position and was far more common. The name has been on a falling trajectory since 1985, gradually slipping from the top 100 into the mid-300s. Despite this drop, Stephen retains a classic, dependable quality, familiar across generations. Its highest concentrations in recent years have been in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Mississippi, suggesting a lasting regional affection. With a recorded history in the United States stretching back to 1880, Stephen has been a quiet but steady presence, never fully disappearing from the landscape of American names.
Stephen originates from the Greek name Stephanos (Στέφανος), meaning "crown" or "wreath." It was adopted into Latin as Stephanus and became widely known through Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, as recounted in the New Testament. The name spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages and has been consistently used in the English-speaking world since the Norman Conquest. In the United States, Stephen has been a steady classic, appearing among the top 100 names for boys from 1880 through the early 2000s.
Where Stephen 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.
“Stephen” around the world
Where Stephen lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Ireland
20
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Steve, Stevie
Variants: Steven, Stefan, Stephan, Esteban, Stefano, Etienne
Sibling names for Stephen
Names that share Stephen's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Catherine, Margaret, Elizabeth, Theresa, Rebecca, Michele, Monica, Andria, Carlyn, Christa, Felecia, Janene, Julieann, Maribeth, Rachelle, Rhoda, Sharla, Sharyn, Cristine, Jacquelyne, Krystina, Magdaline, Michaele, Stephaine, Carianne, Persis, Stephaney, Stepheny, Stevee, Tamora, Chrisanne, Dianah, Krisanne, Lauraann, Laurann, Michalle, Staphanie, Stephana, Teresia, Bernedette, Christee, Macrina, Annjanette, Danamarie, Josanna, Kimmarie, Leianne, Magdelene, Shelie
Brothers: Matthew, Andrew, Timothy, Gregory, Douglas, Darryl, Steven, Terence, Travis, Alexandros, Christain, Deryl, Geoffery, Jonpaul, Marcanthony, Ananias, Barnabas, Cephus, Sabas, Zaccheus, Christropher, Christophere, Stepfon
Names like Stephen
Names whose popularity has moved with Stephen's over the last 50 years.
