Stephanie
Stephanie Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
/ˈstɛf.ə.ni/
Meaning of Stephanie: The name Stephanie derives from the Greek Stephanos, meaning "crown" or "garland" - from the Greek word for the laurel wreath awarded to victors and honored citizens. The Online Etymology Dictionary traces the root to stephanoun (to crown or encircle).
The masculine Stephanos became Stephen in Christian tradition through Saint Stephen the Martyr (c. 34-36 CE), the first Christian to die for his faith. The feminine Stephanie developed in medieval France as a derivative of the Latin Stephanus, with French royalty spreading the form across Catholic Europe.
In the United States, Stephanie peaked from the 1960s through the 1980s, ranking among the top 10 girl names for over a decade and reaching #3 in 1981, according to SSA records. The name's popularity reflected American trends toward French-influenced feminine names with classic elegance during that era.
What Does Stephanie Mean? Origin & Etymology
According to SSA records, Stephanie ranked #533 for girls in the United States as of 2024, with 571 births recorded. The decline from #3 to #533 over 43 years reflects a generational pattern: women named Stephanie now reach parenting age and tend to choose different names for their own daughters.
International variants include Stefania (Italian, Polish), Estefania (Spanish), Stefanie (German), and Stefani (Slavic). The name remains common across Catholic European cultures and diaspora communities, where its connection to Christian martyrdom gives it enduring religious significance beyond its American peak years.
How Popular Is Stephanie?
Numerology & Symbolism of Stephanie
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Stephanie – Similar Names & Alternatives
Not seeing what you want? Browse all names by origin or popularity
Frequently Asked Questions about Stephanie
What does the name Stephanie mean?
The name Stephanie carries roots in French and reflects the naming values of that cultural tradition. The precise meaning connects to concepts meaningful in its source language and culture.
How popular is the name Stephanie in the United States?
According to SSA records, Stephanie ranked #533 for girl names in the United States, with 571 births recorded in the most recent annual count. The name hit its highest SSA rank in 2024. It has held a consistent place in US naming statistics across multiple decades.
Where does the name Stephanie come from?
The name Stephanie comes from French. It entered English use through the linguistic and cultural channels typical of French-origin names—whether through religious texts, migration, or the prestige associated with classical learning. Today it is recognized as a girl’s name across the English-speaking world.