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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. 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.
  7. Étienne

    • Origin:

      French variation of Stephen, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "garland, crown"

    • Description:

      Appealingly gentle and romantic French classic--with a lot more charm than Steve.
  8. Estefania

    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Stephanie

    • Description:

      Attractive international Stephanie alternative. Estefania ranks in the Top 100 in Puerto Rico.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.

  13. Tapani

    • Description:

      Tapani is a masculine Finnish name that serves as the Finnish form of Stephen, derived from the Greek name Stephanos meaning "crown" or "garland." In Finnish culture, Tapani is traditionally associated with St. Stephen's Day (December 26th), which is an important holiday. The name carries connotations of honor, achievement, and celebration in Finnish culture. While common in Finland, Tapani remains relatively unknown internationally, making it an intriguing option for parents seeking a name with authentic Nordic roots but accessible pronunciation. The name has a pleasant rhythmic quality with emphasis on the first syllable. Finnish naming traditions have given Tapani a distinct cultural identity beyond its Greek origins, connecting it to winter celebrations and Finnish heritage.

  14. Stepka

    • Description:

      Stepka is a masculine name of Slavic origin, primarily found in Eastern European cultures, especially Russian and Czech communities. It functions as a diminutive form of Stefan or Stepan (Slavic versions of Stephen), carrying the same meaning of 'crown' or 'garland.' The suffix '-ka' adds an affectionate, familiar quality to the name, making it traditionally used as a nickname for loved ones. While not widely used in Western countries, Stepka maintains cultural significance in Slavic regions where diminutive naming traditions remain important. The name combines the strength of its root name with a warm, approachable quality. Its pronunciation (STEP-kah) is relatively straightforward for English speakers despite its foreign origin.
  15. Stavros

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "cross"

    • Description:

      A name that conjures up billionaire shipping magnates like, for instance, Stavros Niarcos.
  16. Estebe

    • Description:

      Estebe is a masculine name that originates as the Basque variation of Stephen, derived from the Greek 'Stephanos' meaning 'crown' or 'garland.' Predominantly found in the Basque Country regions of Spain and France, this cultural variation preserves the name's heritage while giving it a distinctive regional character. Estebe follows Basque phonological patterns, which differ from both Spanish (Esteban) and French (Étienne) versions of the same name. While common within Basque communities, Estebe remains rare internationally and would be considered an exotic choice outside its cultural homeland. The name carries the same dignified history as other Stephen variants, including its connection to the first Christian martyr.

  17. Szczepan

    • Description:

      Szczepan is a masculine Polish name equivalent to the English Stephen. Derived from the Greek name Stephanos meaning "crown" or "garland," it has deep historical roots in Poland. The distinctive combination of consonants in Szczepan showcases the characteristic Polish orthography, with "szcz" creating a sound unfamiliar to many English speakers. Despite its challenging appearance to non-Polish readers, the name has a melodious pronunciation in its native context. Szczepan has strong connections to Polish cultural heritage and Catholic tradition, as Saint Stephen was the first Christian martyr. While common in Poland, it remains rare internationally, making it a strong marker of Polish identity for those who bear it abroad.
  18. Estevan

    • Description:

      Estevan is a masculine name of Spanish origin, representing a variation of the more common Stephen or Esteban. Derived from the Greek name Stephanos meaning "crown" or "garland," it carries connotations of honor and achievement. This variant spelling is particularly popular in Latin American countries and among Hispanic communities in the United States. Estevan combines classical roots with a distinctive spelling that sets it apart from more common versions. The name has experienced modest but consistent usage throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. It offers parents a name with recognized historical roots while providing a slightly uncommon spelling that adds uniqueness. Estevan maintains its cultural connections while working well in multicultural environments.
  19. Staffan

    • Description:

      Staffan is the Swedish and Finnish variant of Stephen, a name derived from the Greek 'Stephanos' meaning 'crown' or 'garland.' In Scandinavian countries, Staffan is particularly associated with St. Stephen's Day celebrations and the traditional 'Staffan Stalledräng' (Stephen Stable Boy) songs and customs related to the winter solstice and Christmas. The name has been consistently used in Sweden and Swedish-speaking parts of Finland for centuries. While not among the most popular Nordic names internationally, Staffan carries cultural significance in its regions of origin. It has a strong, straightforward sound that translates well across languages while maintaining its distinctive Scandinavian character.
  20. 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.