Steven Overview
- Meaning: Steven means “wreath” or “crown” in Greek.
- Gender: Steven is traditionally a male’s name.
- Origin: The name Steven has many origins, like Greek, English, Dutch, Scottish, and German. It is also a name from the Bible.
- Pronunciation: When spelled Steven, say “Stee-vun.” People who use spellings like Stephan might have a different pronunciation.
- Popularity: Steven was once in the top 10 boys’ names and stayed near those ranks for 70 years. Currently, it ranks 224th in the United States.
- Nicknames: Stef, Steph, Steve, Stevey, Stevie, Stewie.
- Variations: Esteban, Estebe, Estevão, Étienne, Staffan, Stefan, Stefano, Steffen, Stepan, Stephan, Stephanos, Stephanus.
- Namesakes: Steven Tyler, rock musician.
What Does Steven Mean?
Steven is a modern spelling of Stephen, which originated from the Greek name Stephanos. The name means “crown,” “wreath,” or “that which surrounds.”
What Is the Origin of the Name Steven?
The name Steven has many origins, such as Greek, English, Dutch, Scottish, and German (1). Greek is the most commonly known due to the meaning of “crown” in that language.
Once Saint Stephen, a deacon and martyr, appeared in the Bible, the name became more popular with Christians. The Normans brought the name to attention in England. Many kings in England, Poland, and Serbia have had the name Steven, along with 10 popes.
How Popular Is the Name Steven?
The name Steven was once very popular, ranking in the top 100 boys’ baby names for 70 years. In the 1950s, it was in the top 10 and then the top 20 for a long time. Now it’s fallen out of favor and is just popular. It currently ranks 224th on the United States name charts (2).
How Do I Pronounce Steven?
Pronounce Steven as it’s spelled: “Stee-vun.” Some people who use spellings like Stephan might have a different pronunciation.
Is Steven a Boy or Girl Name?
Steven is a boy’s name, but there are feminine options for this name. You can name a girl Stephanie, Stefani, or Stefany. Stevie is also a popular name for girls, though it’s often used as a nickname for Stephanie.
Variations of Steven
There are many variations of the name Steven depending on your cultural background. Some alternatives include:
- Esteban (Spanish)
- Estebe (Basque)
- Estevão (Portuguese)
- Étienne (French)
- Staffan (Swedish)
- Stefan (Bulgarian)
- Stefano (Italian)
- Steffen (Danish)
- Stepan (Armenian)
- Stephan (German)
- Stephanos (Ancient Greek)
- Stephanus (Biblical Latin)
Nicknames for Steven
Though Steven is a short name with just two syllables, there are plenty of potential nicknames. Some of the most common nicknames for Steven include:
- Stef
- Steph
- Steve
- Stevey
- Stevie
- Stewie
Similar Names to Steven
You might like the overall timeless feeling of the name Steven but want something different for your child. Some similar names in sound or style include:
- Brian
- David
- Evan
- Michael
- Neal
- Robert
- Samuel
- Sterling
- Tavon
- Teagan
Middle Names for Steven
When you’re choosing a middle name for Steven, you might want something that sounds similarly classic. You might choose another name with two syllables to keep the name balanced. You can use a name that starts with an “S” for alliteration in the name.
Here are some suggestions to get you started:
- Anthony
- Charles
- Dean
- George
- Joseph
- Mark
- Richard
- Scott
- Victor
- William
Sibling Names for Steven
If you’re giving Steven a sibling, you’ll want something that sounds good with his name. For a brother, consider some of these sibling names.
- Andrew
- Brandon
- Daniel
- James
- John
- Kevin
- Paul
- Thomas
For a sister, try these sibling names:
- Anne
- Caroline
- Elyssa
- Julie
- Marie
- Susan
- Teresa
- Virginia
Famous People Named Steven
There are many famous people named Steven or Stephen. They’re big in sports, the music industry, scientific research, and more. Check out this list of famous people named Steven and see if you can think of more. Some of the most famous Stevens include:
- Steve Aoki: Japanese DJ and record producer.
- Steven Berkoff: British playwright and actor.
- Steve Buscemi: American actor.
- Steven J. Camp: American singer and songwriter.
- Stephen Curry: American basketball player.
- Steven Erikson: Canadian novelist.
- Steven Fielding: Political history professor.
- Stephen Hawking: British physicist.
- Steve Martin: American comedian, writer, and actor.
- Stephen Sondheim: American theatre composer.
- Steven Spielberg: American filmmaker.
- Steven Tyler: American lead singer of the rock band Aerosmith.
Steven in Popular Culture
Steven is a great name for your little one, but it’s also a good choice for characters in movies, books, and TV shows. These are some of the most well-known Stevens in popular culture:
- Stephen: Train in the TV series Thomas & Friends.
- Stephen Dedalus: Character in the James Joyce novels A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man and Ulysses.
- Stephen Hawke: Main character in the movie The Crimes of Stephen Hawke.
- Steven Hyde: Fictional character in the TV show That ‘70s Show.
- Steven Rogers: Real name of Captain America in the Marvel comic books.
- Steven Spence: Fictional character from the TV series Gossip Girl
- Steven Stone: Final boss in the Pokemon games.
- Steven Quartz Universe: Title character in the animated show Steven Universe.
Steven FAQs
You know what the name Steven means and where it comes from. You have suggestions for middle names and sibling names. But in case you need a few more answers, check out these frequently asked questions.
Is Steven a Popular Name?
Steven ranked in the 300s and 400s in the early 1900s. By the 1940s, it was a more popular name, constantly ranking in the 40s and 30s, finally making it to the top 10 in the late 1950s. By 2008 it had fallen out of the top 100 but remains popular. It currently ranks at 224 on the United States name charts.
What Is the Biblical Meaning of Steven?
There is a deacon named Stephen in the Bible. Though he has just a brief mention, he is a man of God. He’s stoned for his beliefs but shows Christians that they can make a powerful impact on earth even if their time is short (3).
What Is the Origin of the Name Steven?
Steven has Greek roots, but the Normans in England made it popular. It’s a name from the Bible that many people use to honor their Christian heritage.
