Name meaning & stats
Stephen
Stephen means “crown, wreath” (Ancient Greek origin). 814,470 US babies since 1940, peak 1952. Notable Stephens are 1.7× over-represented as professors.
What it means
“crown, wreath”
Ancient GreekWell documented
From Greek stephanos.
In US birth records
Peak year: 1952
814,470 US babies were named Stephen between 1940 and 2025.
Where Stephens end up
| Career | vs expected | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Politician | 1.1× | High · 222 people |
| Professor | 1.7× | High · 220 people |
| Writer | 1.4× | High · 180 people |
| Actor | 1.0× | High · 171 people |
Among notable men who are professors, Stephens show up 1.7× as often as you'd expect from how common the name is.
Notable people born 1940–2005 in the US, UK, Canada and Australia (Wikidata). Patterns, not destiny.
One more thing…
Stephen has a surprise career: 2.2×
Spelling family
1 in 3 Stevens spell it Stephen
- Steven 59%
- Stephen 38%
- Stephan 1%
- Stefan 1%
- Stephon <1%
- Stevan <1%
- Stefon <1%
- Steffen <1%
- Steffan <1%
- Stefen <1%
Names that sound the same, grouped by Heyotag. Share of US babies since 1940.
Name twins (peaked around 1952)