Stephen
Name meaning, origin, pronunciation, and popularity rankings
Origin:English
How to pronounce the name Stephen
Pronunciation guide for Stephen
ARPA
S T IY1 V AH0 N
IPA
ˈstivən
Pronunciation Breakdown
Detailed phonetic analysis of how to say Stephen
Syllables (2)
S T IY1 V AH0 N
Bold syllables indicate primary stress
Sound Breakdown
S
sea (s)T
tea (t)IY1
eat (i)V
vee (v)AH0
hut (ʌ)N
knee (n)International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)
ˈstivən
Standard international representation
Pronunciation Tips
• Stephen has 2 syllables. Take your time with each part.
• Emphasize the syllable marked in bold for correct pronunciation.
Name Statistics
Key metrics and characteristics of Stephen
Structure
Character Count
7
Syllable Count
2
Vowel Ratio
29%
Name Family
step
Usability
Pronunciation Difficulty4/10
Moderate difficulty
International Friendliness10/10
Works well across languages
DNA profile of the name Stephen
Unique character and personality of the name Stephen
Name Personality
The Global
Global
Adaptable
Modern
Key Characteristics
Length
Medium
Balanced and versatile
Rhythm
Flowing
Balanced rhythm
Sound
Strong
Consonant-rich and crisp
Ease
Moderate
May require practice
Global
Universal
Works across cultures
Heritage
step
Part of this name family
Letter Frequency
e×2
s×1
t×1
Most frequent letters in Stephen
Visual Pattern
Tall bars = vowels, Short bars = consonants
Name Statistics
📊
Syllables
2 syllables
🗣️
Ease of Pronunciation
Easy
4/10 difficulty
🌍
International Friendliness
Excellent
10/10 global ease
Pronunciation Difficulty Comparison
How does Stephen compare to the average name?
Stephen4/10 😐
4.0
Average Name5.0/10
5.0
Stephen is easier than average by 1.0 points.
Difficulty Scale:
Very Easy (0–2)
Easy (2–4)← Stephen
Moderate (4–6)
Challenging (6–8)
Difficult (9–11)
👨👩👧👦Name Family
Names related to Stephen (root: step)
Current Name
Stephen
Related Names (15)
Short variations:
Steph
Medium variations:
Stepan
Stepanas
Stepanek
Stepanie
Stepas
Stepehen
Stepehn
Stepen
Stepfan
Stepfon
Stepha
Long variations:
Stepahanie
Stepahnie
Stepfanie
Stephen belongs to a family of 30 related names.Showing 15 most common variations.
What does the name Stephen mean?
The meaning and origin of Stephen
Historical Reference
1. English writer (1832-1904)
Meaning Theme
The emotional tone and themes in Stephen's meanings
Primary Theme
📖
Descriptive
Based on origin, place, or historical context
Theme Distribution
Descriptive
1
Name Numerology
Numerological analysis and letter patterns for Stephen
Life Path Number
33
The Master Teacher
Master number representing unconditional love and spiritual teaching.
Compassionate
Healing
Uplifting
Altruistic
✨ This is a Master Number, indicating special spiritual significance
Most Common Letters
e×2
s×1
t×1
p×1
h×1
Sound Composition
Vowels
2(29%)
Consonants
5(71%)
Consonant-heavy names tend to sound more crisp and strong
Numerology Breakdown
s1
t2
e5
p7
h8
e5
n5
Each letter is assigned a number (1-9). These are added together and reduced to find your Life Path Number.
Notable People Named Stephen
Famous individuals named Stephen
👤
Stephen Elliott
American actor
Born: 1918
👤
Stephen Wolfram
British-American scientist and businessman (born 1959)
Born: 1959
Where is Stephen popular?
Countries where Stephen ranks in the top baby names
How popular is the name Stephen?
Popularity rankings for Stephen around the world
| Country | Gender | Rank | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | boy | #100 | 1997-1997 |
| Australia | boy | #100 | 1997-1997 |
| Australia | boy | #89 | 1996-1996 |
| Australia | boy | #76 | 1995-1995 |
| Australia | boy | #68 | 1994-1994 |
| Australia | boy | #66 | 1993-1993 |
| Australia | boy | #55 | 1992-1992 |
| Australia | boy | #47 | 1991-1991 |
| Australia | boy | #43 | 1990-1990 |
| Australia | boy | #39 | 1989-1989 |
| Australia | boy | #39 | 1988-1988 |
| Australia | boy | #37 | 1987-1987 |
| Australia | boy | #34 | 1986-1986 |
| Australia | boy | #32 | 1985-1985 |
| Australia | boy | #28 | 1984-1984 |
| Australia | boy | #27 | 1983-1983 |
| Australia | boy | #27 | 1982-1982 |
| Australia | boy | #25 | 1981-1981 |
| Australia | boy | #25 | 1980-1980 |
| Australia | boy | #28 | 1979-1979 |
| Australia | boy | #25 | 1978-1978 |
| Australia | boy | #24 | 1977-1977 |
| Australia | boy | #20 | 1976-1976 |
| Australia | boy | #21 | 1975-1975 |
| Australia | boy | #23 | 1974-1974 |
| Australia | boy | #20 | 1973-1973 |
| Australia | boy | #18 | 1972-1972 |
| Australia | boy | #17 | 1971-1971 |
| Australia | boy | #15 | 1970-1970 |
| Australia | boy | #14 | 1969-1969 |
| Australia | boy | #11 | 1968-1968 |
| Australia | boy | #11 | 1967-1967 |
| Australia | boy | #9 | 1966-1966 |
| Australia | boy | #8 | 1965-1965 |
| Australia | boy | #7 | 1964-1964 |
| Australia | boy | #7 | 1963-1963 |
| Australia | boy | #6 | 1962-1962 |
| Australia | boy | #6 | 1961-1961 |
| Australia | boy | #6 | 1960-1960 |
| Australia | boy | #6 | 1959-1959 |
| Australia | boy | #5 | 1958-1958 |
| Australia | boy | #4 | 1957-1957 |
| Australia | boy | #4 | 1956-1956 |
| Australia | boy | #3 | 1955-1955 |
| Australia | boy | #4 | 1954-1954 |
| Australia | boy | #4 | 1953-1953 |
| Australia | boy | #4 | 1952-1952 |
| Canada | boy | #103 | 1998-1998 |
| France | boy | #451 | 2002-2002 |
| Ireland | boy | #86 | 2013-2013 |
| New Zealand | boy | #91 | 1900-1900 |
| New Zealand | boy | #89 | 1901-1901 |
| New Zealand | boy | #83 | 1902-1902 |
| New Zealand | boy | #86 | 1903-1903 |
| New Zealand | boy | #79 | 1906-1906 |
| New Zealand | boy | #90 | 1908-1908 |
| New Zealand | boy | #96 | 1909-1909 |
| New Zealand | boy | #97 | 1916-1916 |
| New Zealand | boy | #89 | 1918-1918 |
| New Zealand | boy | #86 | 1941-1941 |
| New Zealand | boy | #86 | 1942-1942 |
| New Zealand | boy | #86 | 1943-1943 |
| New Zealand | boy | #69 | 1944-1944 |
| New Zealand | boy | #66 | 1945-1945 |
| New Zealand | boy | #66 | 1946-1946 |
| New Zealand | boy | #53 | 1947-1947 |
| New Zealand | boy | #39 | 1948-1948 |
| New Zealand | boy | #22 | 1949-1949 |
| New Zealand | boy | #13 | 1950-1950 |
| New Zealand | boy | #11 | 1951-1951 |
| New Zealand | boy | #9 | 1952-1952 |
| New Zealand | boy | #8 | 1953-1953 |
| New Zealand | boy | #7 | 1954-1954 |
| New Zealand | boy | #7 | 1955-1955 |
| New Zealand | boy | #6 | 1956-1956 |
| New Zealand | boy | #6 | 1957-1957 |
| New Zealand | boy | #5 | 1958-1958 |
| New Zealand | boy | #5 | 1959-1959 |
| New Zealand | boy | #5 | 1960-1960 |
| New Zealand | boy | #6 | 1961-1961 |
| New Zealand | boy | #6 | 1962-1962 |
| New Zealand | boy | #7 | 1963-1963 |
| New Zealand | boy | #8 | 1964-1964 |
| New Zealand | boy | #8 | 1965-1965 |
| New Zealand | boy | #8 | 1966-1966 |
| New Zealand | boy | #7 | 1967-1967 |
| New Zealand | boy | #10 | 1968-1968 |
| New Zealand | boy | #9 | 1969-1969 |
| New Zealand | boy | #7 | 1970-1970 |
| New Zealand | boy | #12 | 1971-1971 |
| New Zealand | boy | #14 | 1972-1972 |
| New Zealand | boy | #13 | 1973-1973 |
| New Zealand | boy | #16 | 1974-1974 |
| New Zealand | boy | #18 | 1975-1975 |
| New Zealand | boy | #18 | 1976-1976 |
| New Zealand | boy | #16 | 1977-1977 |
| New Zealand | boy | #24 | 1978-1978 |
| New Zealand | boy | #27 | 1979-1979 |
| New Zealand | boy | #27 | 1980-1980 |
| New Zealand | boy | #31 | 1981-1981 |
| New Zealand | boy | #29 | 1982-1982 |
| New Zealand | boy | #30 | 1983-1983 |
| New Zealand | boy | #32 | 1984-1984 |
| New Zealand | boy | #39 | 1985-1985 |
| New Zealand | boy | #37 | 1986-1986 |
| New Zealand | boy | #42 | 1987-1987 |
| New Zealand | boy | #41 | 1988-1988 |
| New Zealand | boy | #47 | 1989-1989 |
| New Zealand | boy | #50 | 1990-1990 |
| New Zealand | boy | #49 | 1991-1991 |
| New Zealand | boy | #57 | 1992-1992 |
| New Zealand | boy | #62 | 1993-1993 |
| New Zealand | boy | #70 | 1994-1994 |
| New Zealand | boy | #83 | 1995-1995 |
| New Zealand | boy | #88 | 1996-1996 |
| New Zealand | boy | #95 | 1997-1997 |
| New Zealand | boy | #91 | 1900-1900 |
| New Zealand | boy | #89 | 1901-1901 |
| New Zealand | boy | #83 | 1902-1902 |
| New Zealand | boy | #86 | 1903-1903 |
| New Zealand | boy | #79 | 1906-1906 |
| New Zealand | boy | #90 | 1908-1908 |
| New Zealand | boy | #96 | 1909-1909 |
| New Zealand | boy | #97 | 1916-1916 |
| New Zealand | boy | #89 | 1918-1918 |
| New Zealand | boy | #86 | 1941-1941 |
| New Zealand | boy | #86 | 1942-1942 |
| New Zealand | boy | #86 | 1943-1943 |
| New Zealand | boy | #69 | 1944-1944 |
| New Zealand | boy | #66 | 1945-1945 |
| New Zealand | boy | #66 | 1946-1946 |
| New Zealand | boy | #53 | 1947-1947 |
| New Zealand | boy | #39 | 1948-1948 |
| New Zealand | boy | #22 | 1949-1949 |
| New Zealand | boy | #13 | 1950-1950 |
| New Zealand | boy | #11 | 1951-1951 |
| New Zealand | boy | #9 | 1952-1952 |
| New Zealand | boy | #8 | 1953-1953 |
| New Zealand | boy | #7 | 1954-1954 |
| New Zealand | boy | #7 | 1955-1955 |
| New Zealand | boy | #6 | 1956-1956 |
| New Zealand | boy | #6 | 1957-1957 |
| New Zealand | boy | #5 | 1958-1958 |
| New Zealand | boy | #5 | 1959-1959 |
| New Zealand | boy | #5 | 1960-1960 |
| New Zealand | boy | #6 | 1961-1961 |
| New Zealand | boy | #6 | 1962-1962 |
| New Zealand | boy | #7 | 1963-1963 |
| New Zealand | boy | #8 | 1964-1964 |
| New Zealand | boy | #8 | 1965-1965 |
| New Zealand | boy | #8 | 1966-1966 |
| New Zealand | boy | #7 | 1967-1967 |
| New Zealand | boy | #10 | 1968-1968 |
| New Zealand | boy | #9 | 1969-1969 |
| New Zealand | boy | #7 | 1970-1970 |
| New Zealand | boy | #12 | 1971-1971 |
| New Zealand | boy | #14 | 1972-1972 |
| New Zealand | boy | #13 | 1973-1973 |
| New Zealand | boy | #16 | 1974-1974 |
| New Zealand | boy | #18 | 1975-1975 |
| New Zealand | boy | #18 | 1976-1976 |
| New Zealand | boy | #16 | 1977-1977 |
| New Zealand | boy | #24 | 1978-1978 |
| New Zealand | boy | #27 | 1979-1979 |
| New Zealand | boy | #27 | 1980-1980 |
| New Zealand | boy | #31 | 1981-1981 |
| New Zealand | boy | #29 | 1982-1982 |
| New Zealand | boy | #30 | 1983-1983 |
| New Zealand | boy | #32 | 1984-1984 |
| New Zealand | boy | #39 | 1985-1985 |
| New Zealand | boy | #37 | 1986-1986 |
| New Zealand | boy | #42 | 1987-1987 |
| New Zealand | boy | #41 | 1988-1988 |
| New Zealand | boy | #47 | 1989-1989 |
| New Zealand | boy | #50 | 1990-1990 |
| New Zealand | boy | #49 | 1991-1991 |
| New Zealand | boy | #57 | 1992-1992 |
| New Zealand | boy | #62 | 1993-1993 |
| New Zealand | boy | #70 | 1994-1994 |
| New Zealand | boy | #83 | 1995-1995 |
| New Zealand | boy | #88 | 1996-1996 |
| New Zealand | boy | #95 | 1997-1997 |
| New Zealand | boy | #91 | 1900-1900 |
| New Zealand | boy | #89 | 1901-1901 |
| New Zealand | boy | #83 | 1902-1902 |
| New Zealand | boy | #86 | 1903-1903 |
| New Zealand | boy | #79 | 1906-1906 |
| New Zealand | boy | #90 | 1908-1908 |
| New Zealand | boy | #96 | 1909-1909 |
| New Zealand | boy | #97 | 1916-1916 |
| New Zealand | boy | #89 | 1918-1918 |
| New Zealand | boy | #86 | 1941-1941 |
| New Zealand | boy | #86 | 1942-1942 |
| New Zealand | boy | #86 | 1943-1943 |
| New Zealand | boy | #69 | 1944-1944 |
| New Zealand | boy | #66 | 1945-1945 |
| New Zealand | boy | #66 | 1946-1946 |
| New Zealand | boy | #53 | 1947-1947 |
| New Zealand | boy | #39 | 1948-1948 |
| New Zealand | boy | #22 | 1949-1949 |
| New Zealand | boy | #13 | 1950-1950 |
| New Zealand | boy | #11 | 1951-1951 |
| New Zealand | boy | #9 | 1952-1952 |
| New Zealand | boy | #8 | 1953-1953 |
| New Zealand | boy | #7 | 1954-1954 |
| New Zealand | boy | #7 | 1955-1955 |
| New Zealand | boy | #6 | 1956-1956 |
| New Zealand | boy | #6 | 1957-1957 |
| New Zealand | boy | #5 | 1958-1958 |
| New Zealand | boy | #5 | 1959-1959 |
| New Zealand | boy | #5 | 1960-1960 |
| New Zealand | boy | #6 | 1961-1961 |
| New Zealand | boy | #6 | 1962-1962 |
| New Zealand | boy | #7 | 1963-1963 |
| New Zealand | boy | #8 | 1964-1964 |
| New Zealand | boy | #8 | 1965-1965 |
| New Zealand | boy | #8 | 1966-1966 |
| New Zealand | boy | #7 | 1967-1967 |
| New Zealand | boy | #10 | 1968-1968 |
| New Zealand | boy | #9 | 1969-1969 |
| New Zealand | boy | #7 | 1970-1970 |
| New Zealand | boy | #12 | 1971-1971 |
| New Zealand | boy | #14 | 1972-1972 |
| New Zealand | boy | #13 | 1973-1973 |
| New Zealand | boy | #16 | 1974-1974 |
| New Zealand | boy | #18 | 1975-1975 |
| New Zealand | boy | #18 | 1976-1976 |
| New Zealand | boy | #16 | 1977-1977 |
| New Zealand | boy | #24 | 1978-1978 |
| New Zealand | boy | #27 | 1979-1979 |
| New Zealand | boy | #27 | 1980-1980 |
| New Zealand | boy | #31 | 1981-1981 |
| New Zealand | boy | #29 | 1982-1982 |
| New Zealand | boy | #30 | 1983-1983 |
| New Zealand | boy | #32 | 1984-1984 |
| New Zealand | boy | #39 | 1985-1985 |
| New Zealand | boy | #37 | 1986-1986 |
| New Zealand | boy | #42 | 1987-1987 |
| New Zealand | boy | #41 | 1988-1988 |
| New Zealand | boy | #47 | 1989-1989 |
| New Zealand | boy | #50 | 1990-1990 |
| New Zealand | boy | #49 | 1991-1991 |
| New Zealand | boy | #57 | 1992-1992 |
| New Zealand | boy | #62 | 1993-1993 |
| New Zealand | boy | #70 | 1994-1994 |
| New Zealand | boy | #83 | 1995-1995 |
| New Zealand | boy | #88 | 1996-1996 |
| New Zealand | boy | #95 | 1997-1997 |
| United Kingdom | boy | #463 | 2018-2018 |
| United States | boy | #284 | 2018-2018 |
Stephen Popularity in United States
Historical ranking trend for boys named Stephen
Lower rank numbers indicate higher popularity (e.g., #1 is most popular)
Stephen Popularity in United States
Historical ranking trend for girls named Stephen
Lower rank numbers indicate higher popularity (e.g., #1 is most popular)
Country Comparison
How Stephen ranks across different countries
Showing top 10 countries by ranking (lower rank = more popular)
Parents who like Stephen also like these names
Names similar to Stephen in style, sound, and origin
What words rhyme with the name Stephen?
Rhyming words for Stephen
beaven
cleven
keven
kievan
kleven
leven
sleven
steven
uneven
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pronounce Stephen?
IPA: /ˈstivən/ ARPA: S T IY1 V AH0 N This name has a moderate pronunciation difficulty.
How many syllables are in Stephen?
Stephen has 2 syllables.
Is Stephen easy to pronounce?
Stephen is relatively easy to pronounce for most English speakers. It doesn't contain uncommon sound combinations.
Is Stephen easy to pronounce internationally?
Yes, Stephen is extremely international-friendly (10/10). It uses sounds that are common across many languages and cultures, making it easy for people worldwide to pronounce.
Who are some famous people named Stephen?
There are 100 notable people named Stephen. This name has significant cultural presence and recognition.
What names are similar to Stephen?
Names similar to Stephen include: Stepahanie, Stepahnie, Stepan, Stepanas, Stepanek. These names share similar sounds or roots.
Is Stephen a good baby name?
Stephen is a good baby name, particularly if you value names that are internationally friendly.
Is Stephen a boy or girl name?
Stephen can be used for any gender, though usage varies by culture and region. Check the rankings section to see gender distribution patterns.
How do you spell Stephen?
The name is spelled S-t-e-p-h-e-n. Common spelling variations include: Stepahanie, Stepahnie, Stepan.
What are common nicknames for Stephen?
Common nicknames for Stephen include: Ste, Step, Stepy. Nicknames often develop naturally based on personal preference and family traditions.
What does the name Stephen mean?
The name Stephen means "Stephen n 1: English writer (1832-1904) [syn: {Stephen}, {Sir Leslie Stephen}]." This name carries significant cultural and historical weight, reflecting the traditions and values of the cultures from which it originates. The meaning of a name often influences how it is perceived and can hold special significance for families choosing this name for their child.
What middle names go well with Stephen?
Middle names that pair well with Stephen include: Elizabeth, Alexander, Benjamin. Consider the flow and rhythm when saying the full name aloud. Names with different syllable counts often create a pleasant cadence.
What sibling names pair well with Stephen?
Sibling names that pair well with Stephen include: Stepahanie, Stepahnie, Stepan, Stepanas. These names share similar origins, sounds, or cultural backgrounds, creating a cohesive family naming theme.
Will teachers be able to pronounce Stephen?
Most teachers will be able to pronounce Stephen correctly after hearing it once or twice. It's relatively phonetic and doesn't contain unusual sound combinations. You may need to provide pronunciation guidance at the start of each school year.
What culture is the name Stephen from?
Stephen originates from English culture. English names developed from various sources including Anglo-Saxon, Norman, and Old English roots. Many evolved from occupations, locations, or personal characteristics. Understanding a name's cultural origin provides insight into its deeper significance and the traditions it represents.
Is Stephen suitable for a professional career?
Stephen is well-suited for professional contexts. It's internationally friendly for global careers and appropriate length for business cards and email addresses. Names that are easy to say, spell, and remember often have advantages in career settings, though ultimately competence matters far more than name choice.
Is Stephen a long or short name?
Stephen is a short name with 7 letters (2 syllables). Short names are practical and easy to use in everyday contexts. They rarely need nicknames.
What are common misspellings of Stephen?
Common spelling variations of Stephen include: Stepan, Stepehen, Stepehn. Always verify the correct spelling with the parent.
What's the difference between Stephen and Stepahanie?
Stephen and Stepahanie are related names that share similar origins or sounds. Stephen is spelled Stephen while Stepahanie is spelled Stepahanie. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, cultural background, or family tradition.