Stefanos – Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity & Similar Names
Table of Contents
- Meaning of the Name Stefanos
- Tattoo Design Ideas for the Name Stefanos
- How to Pronounce Stefanos in Greek (Στέφανος)
- Origin and History of Stefanos
- Gender of the Name Stefanos
- Popularity of Stefanos
- Global Usage and Pronunciation of Stefanos
- Global Distribution and Gender Ratio of the Name Stefanos
- Personality Traits Associated with Stefanos
- Professional Life and Careers Linked to Stefanos
- Unique and Interesting Facts About Stefanos
- Famous People Named Stefanos
- Similar Names Related with the Name Stefanos
Meaning of the Name Stefanos
The name Stefanos comes from the Ancient Greek word “stephanos”, meaning a crown, wreath, or symbol of honor and victory. Traditionally, it evokes images of a laurel crown placed on the heads of champions and revered figures, suggesting a person destined for triumph, prestige, and moral nobility.
Find more names related to the name Stefanos.
Victory, Leader, Noble, Strong, Valor, Greek, Roman, Latin, European, Italian,
Tattoo Design Ideas for the Name Stefanos
How to Pronounce Stefanos in Greek (Στέφανος)
/ˈstefanos/ - Στέφανος
- /ˈste/: like “ste” in “step,” stressed.
- /fa/: “fa” as in “father,” short and open.
- /nos/: “nos” rhyming loosely with “boss,” with a clear final “s.”
STEH-fah-nos
Origin and History of Stefanos
Stefanos is of Greek origin, derived from the Ancient Greek word “stephanos,” deeply rooted in classical and early Christian history. In Greece, laurel wreaths signified victory in athletic games and military achievements. The name was popularized in early Christianity through Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, and has since inspired many European forms such as Stephen, Stefan, and Esteban across Greek and broader Mediterranean cultures.
Gender of the Name Stefanos
Stefanos is traditionally a male given name, especially common in Greek and Eastern Mediterranean cultures. While its variants like Stephanie or Stefania are widely used for females, the form Stefanos itself is predominantly associated with male identity. In global contexts, it appears in communities with Greek heritage, where naming customs often honor male saints and ancestors by passing down male versions of the name through generations.
Popularity of Stefanos
The name Stefanos enjoys steady but modest popularity, especially in Greece, Cyprus, and Greek diaspora communities in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and Germany. It is less common than its international counterparts Stephen or Stefan, giving it a distinctive yet familiar sound. Historically, usage rises in regions with strong Orthodox Christian traditions, where honoring saints and family names keeps Stefanos in regular—if not top-chart—circulation.
Global Usage and Pronunciation of Stefanos
Stefanos is most frequently found in Greece, Cyprus, and among Greek communities in Australia, the United States, Canada, and Germany. Pronunciation typically follows the Greek pattern “STEH-fah-nos,” though some English speakers may say “STEH-fuh-nos.” Across cultures, it connects to the broader family of crown-related names, while keeping a distinctly Greek identity that signals heritage, tradition, and cross-cultural recognizability.
| Global Distribution and Gender Ratio of the Name Stefanos | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Usage % | Female % | Male % |
| Greece | 84.22% | 0.44% | 99.56% |
| Cyprus | 3.12% | 0% | 100% |
| United States | 2.57% | 0% | 100% |
| United Kingdom | 2.2% | 0% | 100% |
| Germany | 1.65% | 0% | 100% |
Personality Traits Associated with Stefanos
- Honorable : Often perceived as guided by strong ethics and a sense of fair play.
- Ambitious : Drawn to achievement and recognition, reflecting the “crown” symbolism.
- Dependable : Seen as reliable and steady in family, friendships, and work.
- Thoughtful : Tends to be reflective and considerate of others’ feelings.
- Charismatic : Frequently comes across as warm, engaging, and socially confident.
Professional Life and Careers Linked to Stefanos
- Leader or Manager: Naturally suited to roles where guiding teams and making decisions is key.
- Entrepreneur: Comfortable taking initiative and transforming ideas into ventures.
- Academic or Researcher: Drawn to deeper knowledge and long-term intellectual projects.
- Athlete or Coach: Resonates with competitive spirit and the symbolism of victory.
- Public Service Professional: Inclined toward roles that involve responsibility and community trust.
Unique and Interesting Facts About Stefanos
- Shared with a First Martyr: Related to Saint Stephen, considered the first Christian martyr.
- Symbol of Victory: Historically linked to laurel wreaths awarded to champions in ancient games.
- Many International Variants: Connected to names like Stephen, Stefan, Esteban, Étienne, and Stefano.
- Cultural Heritage Marker: Often chosen by families who want to honor Greek roots.
- Classic Yet Distinct: Recognizable worldwide but less common than more mainstream variants.
Famous People Named Stefanos
- Stefanos Tsitsipas: Greek professional tennis player, multiple Grand Slam semifinalist.
- Stefanos Kapino: Greek professional football goalkeeper who has played for club and national teams.
- Stefanos Athanasiadis: Greek footballer known for his career as a striker in the Greek Super League.
- Stefanos Manos: Greek economist and politician who has held several ministerial posts.
- Stefanos Lazaridis: Greek stage designer recognized for his work in opera and theatre.
Similar Names Related with the Name Stefanos
- Stephen: English form with the same core meaning of crown and honor.
- Stefan: Central and Eastern European variant, also tied to crown and victory.
- Stefano: Italian version sharing the sense of crown, wreath, and triumph.
- Esteban: Spanish form, preserving the meaning of crown and reward.
- Étienne: French variant linked to the idea of a crown and noble distinction.
- Steffan: Welsh-leaning spelling associated with crown and honor.
- Stevan: Slavic-influenced variant maintaining the crown symbolism.
- Stefani: Feminine form related to the idea of a crowned or honored person.
- Stephanie: Popular feminine version signaling crown and dignity.
- Stefania: Another feminine form preserving the sense of victory and honor.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Name Stefanos
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What is the meaning of the name Stefanos?
Stefanos comes from the Ancient Greek word ‘stephanos’, meaning a crown or wreath, symbolizing honor, victory, and noble recognition.
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What is the origin of the name Stefanos?
Stefanos is of Greek origin and is historically connected with laurel wreaths in ancient Greece and the Christian tradition through Saint Stephen, the first martyr.
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Is Stefanos a male or female name?
Stefanos is traditionally a male given name, while related forms like Stephanie, Stefania, and Stefani are used as feminine versions.
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How do you pronounce Stefanos?
In Greek, Stefanos is typically pronounced STEH-fah-nos, with the stress on the first syllable. The Greek spelling is Στέφανος.
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How popular is the name Stefanos?
Stefanos is moderately popular in Greece, Cyprus, and Greek diaspora communities worldwide, but less common in general baby name charts than variants like Stephen or Stefan.
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What are some similar names to Stefanos?
Similar names include Stephen, Stefan, Stefano, Esteban, Étienne, Steffan, Stevan, Stephanie, Stefani, and Stefania, many of which share the same ‘crown’ meaning.