International Variations of Stephen
Classic Stephen, as well as the alternate spelling Steven, have been well used throughout the years.
There are several handsome forms of Stephen used internationally, such as cross-European Stefan, Spanish Esteban, Maori Tipene, and Russian Stenya.
Here is our full list of international variations of Stephen, ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry.
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- Stephen
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"garland, crown"Description:
Stephen, also spelled Steven, is a strong and likable classic, with the he's-a-great-guy short form Steve. Though not as well-used or fashionable as it was in its heyday -- it was a Top 25 name from 1946 to 1957 -- it's still a widely used name. It remains an even more popular in Ireland.
- Stefan
Origin:
German, Scandinavian, Polish, and Russian variation of StephenDescription:
An elegant, continental name for the post-Steve era. It debuted on the US Top 1000 in 1949 and has been on the list every year since except for a year off in 2008.
- Stefan
Origin:
German, Scandinavian, Polish, and Russian variation of StephenDescription:
An elegant, continental name for the post-Steve era. It debuted on the US Top 1000 in 1949 and has been on the list every year since except for a year off in 2008.
- Stefan
Origin:
German, Scandinavian, Polish, and Russian variation of StephenDescription:
An elegant, continental name for the post-Steve era. It debuted on the US Top 1000 in 1949 and has been on the list every year since except for a year off in 2008.
- Stefan
Origin:
German, Scandinavian, Polish, and Russian variation of StephenDescription:
An elegant, continental name for the post-Steve era. It debuted on the US Top 1000 in 1949 and has been on the list every year since except for a year off in 2008.
- Étienne
Origin:
French variation of Stephen, GreekMeaning:
"garland, crown"Description:
Appealingly gentle and romantic French classic--with a lot more charm than Steve.
- Stefano
Origin:
Italian variation of StephenMeaning:
"garland, crown"Description:
As commonly heard in Rome, Italy, as Steve is in Rome, New York. With the accent on the first syllable, Stefano has a lot of charm.
- Stavros
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"cross"Description:
A name that conjures up billionaire shipping magnates like, for instance, Stavros Niarcos.
- Estefania
Origin:
Spanish variation of StephanieDescription:
Attractive international Stephanie alternative. Estefania ranks in the Top 100 in Puerto Rico.
- Estefan
Description:
Estefan is a masculine name of Spanish origin, serving as a variant spelling of Esteban, which is the Spanish form of Stephen. The name derives from the Greek 'Stephanos,' meaning 'crown' or 'garland,' symbolizing honor and achievement. This particular spelling gained international recognition through Cuban-American musician Gloria Estefan and her husband Emilio Estefan. While less common than Esteban or Stefan, Estefan has appeal in Hispanic communities and beyond for its melodic sound and recognizable quality. The name blends traditional roots with a contemporary flair, making it attractive to parents seeking a name with cross-cultural appeal. Estefan carries connotations of dignity and accomplishment through its historical meaning.
- Steffen
Description:
Steffen is a masculine name of German origin, serving as a variant of the name Stephen or Stefan. It derives from the Greek 'Stephanos,' meaning 'crown' or 'garland,' symbolizing honor and achievement. Popular throughout Scandinavia and German-speaking countries, Steffen maintains its traditional appeal while offering a distinctive alternative to the more common Stephen. The name carries connotations of strength and dignity, historically associated with Saint Stephen, Christianity's first martyr. In modern usage, Steffen projects a refined, cosmopolitan character while maintaining strong cultural roots. Though less common in English-speaking countries, it's recognized internationally and appreciated for its straightforward pronunciation and classic heritage.
- Steffen
Description:
Steffen is a masculine name of German origin, serving as a variant of the name Stephen or Stefan. It derives from the Greek 'Stephanos,' meaning 'crown' or 'garland,' symbolizing honor and achievement. Popular throughout Scandinavia and German-speaking countries, Steffen maintains its traditional appeal while offering a distinctive alternative to the more common Stephen. The name carries connotations of strength and dignity, historically associated with Saint Stephen, Christianity's first martyr. In modern usage, Steffen projects a refined, cosmopolitan character while maintaining strong cultural roots. Though less common in English-speaking countries, it's recognized internationally and appreciated for its straightforward pronunciation and classic heritage.
- Steffen
Description:
Steffen is a masculine name of German origin, serving as a variant of the name Stephen or Stefan. It derives from the Greek 'Stephanos,' meaning 'crown' or 'garland,' symbolizing honor and achievement. Popular throughout Scandinavia and German-speaking countries, Steffen maintains its traditional appeal while offering a distinctive alternative to the more common Stephen. The name carries connotations of strength and dignity, historically associated with Saint Stephen, Christianity's first martyr. In modern usage, Steffen projects a refined, cosmopolitan character while maintaining strong cultural roots. Though less common in English-speaking countries, it's recognized internationally and appreciated for its straightforward pronunciation and classic heritage.
- Steffan
Origin:
Welsh from GreekDescription:
The Welsh form of Steven feels lighter and fresher than the well-trodden English versions.
- Istvan
Origin:
HungarianMeaning:
"crown, wreath"Description:
Hungarian form of Stephen, and the name of the first king and patron saint of Hungary.
- Panos
Origin:
Greek variation of PanagiotisMeaning:
"all holy"Description:
This is a straightforward choice for parents looking to honor their Greek ancestry.
- Kiwini
Description:
Kiwini is a masculine name with likely Polynesian origins, particularly associated with Hawaiian naming traditions. While not among the most common Hawaiian names, it reflects the melodic quality and vowel patterns typical of names from Pacific Island cultures. In Hawaiian contexts, name meanings often connect to nature, family qualities, or circumstances of birth, though specific translations can vary. Kiwini has a rhythmic, flowing quality with its alternating consonants and vowels. The name remains quite rare outside of Pacific Islander communities, making it a distinctive choice that carries cultural associations with Hawaii and Polynesian heritage. Its musical sound and exotic feel might appeal to parents seeking a name connected to Pacific island cultures or those drawn to names with a melodic, distinctive quality.
- Stenya
Description:
Stenya is an unusual masculine name that may have Slavic or Russian origins. It could be a variant or diminutive of names like Stanislav or Stepan, which are common in Eastern European countries. The ending '-ya' is typical in Slavic naming traditions, often used to create nicknames or affectionate forms. Stenya has a distinctive sound that combines strength and softness, with the hard consonant cluster at the beginning balanced by the flowing ending. This name remains extremely rare in Western countries, making it a unique choice for parents seeking something truly distinctive. While uncommon, Stenya has a melodic quality and an exotic appeal that might attract parents looking for an international name that stands out while still being relatively pronounceable.
- Tipene
Origin:
MaoriMeaning:
"crown, wreath"Description:
Maori form of Stephen
- Stepan
Description:
Stepan is the Slavic variation of Stephen, a name with ancient Greek origins meaning 'crown' or 'garland.' Particularly popular in Russia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and other Eastern European countries, Stepan maintains strong cultural connections to Slavic heritage. The name has been borne by numerous notable figures throughout history, including writers, athletes, and political figures from Eastern Europe. Pronounced 'STEP-ahn,' it offers a distinctive alternative to the more common Western variants Stephen or Steven. While maintaining its traditional usage in Slavic countries, it has gained some international recognition as parents seek out names with authentic cultural roots. Stepan projects strength and dignity while honoring Eastern European heritage.