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International Variations of Stephen

Brynn McKeon
By Brynn McKeon
Updated Fri Feb 16 2024
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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International Forms of Classic Names

Search Names by Origin

  1. Stephen

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  2. Stefan

    • Origin:

      German, Scandinavian, Polish, and Russian variation of Stephen

    • Description:

      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.
  3. Stefan

    • Origin:

      German, Scandinavian, Polish, and Russian variation of Stephen

    • Description:

      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.
  4. Stefan

    • Origin:

      German, Scandinavian, Polish, and Russian variation of Stephen

    • Description:

      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.
  5. Stefan

    • Origin:

      German, Scandinavian, Polish, and Russian variation of Stephen

    • Description:

      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.
  6. Étienne

    • Origin:

      French variation of Stephen, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "garland, crown"

    • Description:

      Appealingly gentle and romantic French classic--with a lot more charm than Steve.
  7. Stefano

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Stephen

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  8. Isti

    • Description:

      Isti is a compact masculine name with multiple possible origins. In Hungarian tradition, it functions as a diminutive form of István (Stephen), carrying warm, familiar connotations. Alternatively, it may derive from Native American Cherokee language, where it relates to words meaning "clear" or "distinct." In Indonesian languages, similar forms can mean "special" or "exceptional." The name's brevity gives it a modern, minimalist appeal while its varied cultural connections make it versatile for multicultural families. Isti is pronounced with two syllables (ISS-tee) in most traditions. Though uncommon in global usage statistics, the name's simplicity makes it accessible across language barriers while still offering distinctiveness and character for those who bear it.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. Steaphan

    • Description:

      Steaphan is a variant spelling of Stephen, a masculine name with ancient Greek origins. Derived from 'Stephanos,' meaning 'crown' or 'garland,' it symbolizes honor and victory. This particular spelling adds a distinctive touch to the classic name while maintaining its rich heritage. While less common than the traditional Stephen or Stefan forms, Steaphan offers a unique option for parents seeking something familiar yet distinctive. Throughout history, various forms of this name have been borne by saints, popes, kings, and notable figures across many cultures, giving it a sense of timeless dignity and strength.
  13. Estéban

    • Description:

      Estéban is a masculine name representing the Spanish variation of Stephen, originating from the Greek 'Stephanos' meaning 'crown' or 'garland.' The accent mark gives it a distinctive Spanish pronunciation and flair. Historically associated with Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, the name carries connotations of honor and dignity. Estéban remains particularly popular in Spanish-speaking countries and communities, offering a melodic alternative to the more common Esteban spelling. The name conveys a sense of cultural heritage while maintaining international appeal. Parents are often drawn to Estéban for its sophisticated sound, cultural richness, and the meaningful connection to its noble origins.
  14. Stiofan

    • Description:

      Stiofan is the traditional Irish Gaelic form of Stephen, with origins in the Greek name Stephanos meaning 'crown' or 'garland.' Pronounced approximately as 'SHTEE-fawn,' it represents the authentic Irish rendering of this classic name. Stiofan carries deep historical significance in Irish culture and maintains connections to the broader European tradition of Stephen names. While much less common than the anglicized Stephen or Steven, Stiofan has seen some revival among families celebrating Irish heritage and seeking authentic Gaelic names. The name combines ancient roots with distinctive pronunciation, appealing to parents who value traditional Celtic naming patterns.
  15. Steafan

    • Description:

      Steafan is a masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Stefan or Stephen, derived from the Greek name Stephanos meaning 'crown' or 'garland.' This alternative spelling gives a traditional name a distinctive twist while maintaining its historical significance. The name has deep roots in Christian tradition, as St. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. While the standard forms Stefan and Stephen are common across many European countries, the Steafan variant remains quite rare. The unique spelling might appeal to parents seeking a familiar name with an unconventional presentation. Despite its unusual orthography, the pronunciation likely remains similar to the more common versions.

  16. 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.

  17. Stephanos

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "garland, crown"

    • Description:

      The original form of Stephen, a readily importable choice.
  18. Stefans

    • Description:

      Stefans is a masculine name that represents the Latvian, Estonian, and other Baltic/Eastern European variant of Stephen. Derived from the Greek 'Stephanos' meaning 'crown' or 'garland,' this name carries the connotation of honor and achievement. While Stefan is more common internationally, Stefans with its terminal 's' maintains cultural authenticity in Baltic regions. The name has a dignified European quality while remaining easy to pronounce for English speakers. Though not widely used in English-speaking countries, Stefans offers a distinctive alternative to the more common Stephen or Stefan while preserving the same respected heritage and meaning associated with this ancient name.
  19. 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.
  20. 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.