Štefan

Boy Name
Origin:greek
Pronunciation:/ˈʃte.fan/

Štefan: a male name of Greek origin meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Stéfanos / Stéphanos (Στέφανος),” meaning “crown, garland, wreath, honor, reward, any prize or honor,” which in turn derives from “stéphō ‎(στέφω),” meaning “to put round, to surround". It derives from the Greek word "stéphō > stéfanos / Stéphanos".

The name Štefan carries a rich history rooted in Greek culture. Derived from "stéphō > stéfanos / Stéphanos", this masculine name embodies the essence of This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Stéfanos / Stéphanos (Στέφανος),” meaning “crown, garland, wreath, honor, reward, any prize or honor,” which in turn derives from “stéphō ‎(στέφω),” meaning “to put round, to surround. Its linguistic journey through centuries reflects the cultural values and traditions of Greek-speaking communities.

Quick Facts About Štefan

Quick facts about Štefan
OriginGreek
GenderBoy name
PopularityUncommon

Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team

Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Meaning

This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Stéfanos / Stéphanos (Στέφανος),” meaning “crown, garland, wreath, honor, reward, any prize or honor,” which in turn derives from “stéphō ‎(στέφω),” meaning “to put round, to surround.” In ancient Greece, a crown was given to a contest winner (hence the crown, the symbol of rulers). The use of the noun was first recorded in Homer’s Iliad. The use of the noun was first recorded in Homer’s Iliad. The name is significant to Christians: according to the Book of Acts in the New Testament, Saint Stephen was a deacon who was stoned to death and is regarded as the first Christian martyr. In the United Kingdom, the name Stephen peaked in the 1950s and 1960s as one of the top ten male names (third in 1954), but dropped to 20th in 1984 and dropped out of the top 100 in 2002.

Etymology & Details

Name Root

stéphō > stéfanos / Stéphanos

How to Pronounce Štefan

Štefan is pronounced /ˈʃte.fan/

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Štef-an
  2. Say it like: "ŠTEF-AN"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

This name has found popularity across croatian, slovene, and slovak speaking regions, demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal and adaptability.

croatiansloveneslovak
Name Relationships

Štefan is a variant form of Stephen, developed through regional pronunciation differences and linguistic evolution. This variation preserves the essential meaning while offering a unique sound.

Frequently Asked Questions About Štefan
What does the name Štefan mean?
Štefan means "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Stéfanos / Stéphanos (Στέφανος),” meaning “crown, garland, wreath, honor, reward, any prize or honor,” which in turn derives from “stéphō ‎(στέφω),” meaning “to put round, to surround.” In ancient Greece, a crown was given to a contest winner (hence the crown, the symbol of rulers). The use of the noun was first recorded in Homer’s Iliad. The use of the noun was first recorded in Homer’s Iliad. The name is significant to Christians: according to the Book of Acts in the New Testament, Saint Stephen was a deacon who was stoned to death and is regarded as the first Christian martyr. In the United Kingdom, the name Stephen peaked in the 1950s and 1960s as one of the top ten male names (third in 1954), but dropped to 20th in 1984 and dropped out of the top 100 in 2002.". The name comes from stéphō > stéfanos / Stéphanos. In its original form, the name derives from stéphō ‎(στέφω) Stéfanos / Stéphanos (Στέφανος). This greek name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Štefan for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Stéfanos / Stéphanos (Στέφανος),” meaning “crown, garland, wreath, honor, reward, any prize or honor,” which in turn derives from “stéphō ‎(στέφω),” meaning “to put round, to surround.” In ancient Greece, a crown was given to a contest winner (hence the crown, the symbol of rulers). The use of the noun was first recorded in Homer’s Iliad. The use of the noun was first recorded in Homer’s Iliad. The name is significant to Christians: according to the Book of Acts in the New Testament, Saint Stephen was a deacon who was stoned to death and is regarded as the first Christian martyr. In the United Kingdom, the name Stephen peaked in the 1950s and 1960s as one of the top ten male names (third in 1954), but dropped to 20th in 1984 and dropped out of the top 100 in 2002." as a quality they hope to see in their child. Štefan offers a distinctive option for parents who want a name with clear meaning that stands apart from more common choices. The name is associated with qualities like RELIGION (SAINTS), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Štefan?
Štefan is a greek name. The name traces back to stéphō > stéfanos / Stéphanos. The original form stéphō ‎(στέφω) Stéfanos / Stéphanos (Στέφανος) shows the name's roots in its native language. From its greek roots, Štefan spread to become common in croatian, slovene, slovak. The greek meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Stéfanos / Stéphanos (Στέφανος),” meaning “crown, garland, wreath, honor, reward, any prize or honor,” which in turn derives from “stéphō ‎(στέφω),” meaning “to put round, to surround.” In ancient Greece, a crown was given to a contest winner (hence the crown, the symbol of rulers). The use of the noun was first recorded in Homer’s Iliad. The use of the noun was first recorded in Homer’s Iliad. The name is significant to Christians: according to the Book of Acts in the New Testament, Saint Stephen was a deacon who was stoned to death and is regarded as the first Christian martyr. In the United Kingdom, the name Stephen peaked in the 1950s and 1960s as one of the top ten male names (third in 1954), but dropped to 20th in 1984 and dropped out of the top 100 in 2002." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared. Štefan developed as a form of Stephen, adapting over time while keeping its connection to the original name.
Is Štefan a boy or girl name?
Štefan is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In greek tradition, Štefan has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Stéfanos / Stéphanos (Στέφανος),” meaning “crown, garland, wreath, honor, reward, any prize or honor,” which in turn derives from “stéphō ‎(στέφω),” meaning “to put round, to surround.” In ancient Greece, a crown was given to a contest winner (hence the crown, the symbol of rulers). The use of the noun was first recorded in Homer’s Iliad. The use of the noun was first recorded in Homer’s Iliad. The name is significant to Christians: according to the Book of Acts in the New Testament, Saint Stephen was a deacon who was stoned to death and is regarded as the first Christian martyr. In the United Kingdom, the name Stephen peaked in the 1950s and 1960s as one of the top ten male names (third in 1954), but dropped to 20th in 1984 and dropped out of the top 100 in 2002." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Štefan?
Štefan is pronounced "/ˈʃte.fan/". This pronunciation follows gr language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Štefan is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in croatian, slovene, slovak, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with greek names, listening to a native speaker say Štefan can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root stéphō > stéfanos / Stéphanos influences how Štefan sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Štefan?
Štefan is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Štefan gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Štefan's popularity may vary between greek communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Stéfanos / Stéphanos (Στέφανος),” meaning “crown, garland, wreath, honor, reward, any prize or honor,” which in turn derives from “stéphō ‎(στέφω),” meaning “to put round, to surround.” In ancient Greece, a crown was given to a contest winner (hence the crown, the symbol of rulers). The use of the noun was first recorded in Homer’s Iliad. The use of the noun was first recorded in Homer’s Iliad. The name is significant to Christians: according to the Book of Acts in the New Testament, Saint Stephen was a deacon who was stoned to death and is regarded as the first Christian martyr. In the United Kingdom, the name Stephen peaked in the 1950s and 1960s as one of the top ten male names (third in 1954), but dropped to 20th in 1984 and dropped out of the top 100 in 2002." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Štefan holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
What are variations of the name Štefan?
Štefan is a form of Stephen. Over time, Stephen developed into several variations, with Štefan emerging as a distinct form used in certain regions or languages. In greek tradition, these variations allow the core name to work across different contexts while maintaining its character. All variations preserve the meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Stéfanos / Stéphanos (Στέφανος),” meaning “crown, garland, wreath, honor, reward, any prize or honor,” which in turn derives from “stéphō ‎(στέφω),” meaning “to put round, to surround.” In ancient Greece, a crown was given to a contest winner (hence the crown, the symbol of rulers). The use of the noun was first recorded in Homer’s Iliad. The use of the noun was first recorded in Homer’s Iliad. The name is significant to Christians: according to the Book of Acts in the New Testament, Saint Stephen was a deacon who was stoned to death and is regarded as the first Christian martyr. In the United Kingdom, the name Stephen peaked in the 1950s and 1960s as one of the top ten male names (third in 1954), but dropped to 20th in 1984 and dropped out of the top 100 in 2002.", so choosing between them comes down to sound preference and cultural fit rather than different meanings. Parents drawn to Štefan might also consider these related forms, especially if they want options for siblings or prefer a more traditional or modern feel. In croatian and slovene, Štefan may be more or less common than its variations, depending on local naming customs.
Where is the name Štefan commonly used?
Štefan is common in croatian and slovene and slovak naming traditions. Though greek in origin, Štefan found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Štefan, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Stéfanos / Stéphanos (Στέφανος),” meaning “crown, garland, wreath, honor, reward, any prize or honor,” which in turn derives from “stéphō ‎(στέφω),” meaning “to put round, to surround.” In ancient Greece, a crown was given to a contest winner (hence the crown, the symbol of rulers). The use of the noun was first recorded in Homer’s Iliad. The use of the noun was first recorded in Homer’s Iliad. The name is significant to Christians: according to the Book of Acts in the New Testament, Saint Stephen was a deacon who was stoned to death and is regarded as the first Christian martyr. In the United Kingdom, the name Stephen peaked in the 1950s and 1960s as one of the top ten male names (third in 1954), but dropped to 20th in 1984 and dropped out of the top 100 in 2002." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Štefan into their naming traditions. A child named Štefan will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Štefan is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Štefan?
Štefan carries associations with RELIGION (SAINTS). These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Stéfanos / Stéphanos (Στέφανος),” meaning “crown, garland, wreath, honor, reward, any prize or honor,” which in turn derives from “stéphō ‎(στέφω),” meaning “to put round, to surround.” In ancient Greece, a crown was given to a contest winner (hence the crown, the symbol of rulers). The use of the noun was first recorded in Homer’s Iliad. The use of the noun was first recorded in Homer’s Iliad. The name is significant to Christians: according to the Book of Acts in the New Testament, Saint Stephen was a deacon who was stoned to death and is regarded as the first Christian martyr. In the United Kingdom, the name Stephen peaked in the 1950s and 1960s as one of the top ten male names (third in 1954), but dropped to 20th in 1984 and dropped out of the top 100 in 2002." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In greek culture, where Štefan originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Štefan sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Štefan often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In croatian communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

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