Esteban
BoySpanish, Greek· “crown, garland”
- Meaning
- crown, garland
- Origin
- Spanish, Greek
- Pronunciation
- ehs-TEH-bahn
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #461
- US babies 2025
- 673
- Best rank
- #320 (2005)
- Peak year
- 2005
Meaning and origin of Esteban
Esteban is a Spanish and Greek name that means “crown, garland”.
Esteban is the Spanish form of Stephen, from the Greek Stephanos, meaning crown or garland, the kind of wreath given to victors in ancient contests. In the Acts of the Apostles Stephen is described as the first Christian martyr, and his feast day made the name widespread throughout Europe. In Spanish it developed into Esteban, a familiar name in Spain and Latin America for centuries. Esteban has a rhythmic, confident sound and a classic feel, and Steban or Teban are casual short forms used in some families.
Popularity over time
Esteban first appears in US Social Security records in 1891. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 84 different years, starting in 1925. Its best national rank was #320 in 2005, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,024 babies. In 2025, 673 babies were named Esteban, and it ranked #461 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,394 in 1920, #881 in 1950, #454 in 1980, #334 in 2000, #378 in 2010, and #461 in 2025. Of the 35,592 US boys named Esteban since records began, 24% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 7,471 babies. Since 2010, 11,596 more have been named Esteban.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Braeden, Nikolas, Talan, Jayson, and Arturo.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Esteban ranked highest in Texas, California, and Arizona.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | #225 | 176 |
| California | #227 | 165 |
| Arizona | #238 | 34 |
| New Mexico | #246 | 8 |
| Nevada | #306 | 10 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Esteban is usually pronounced ehs-TEH-bahn, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with E and ends in “-an”.
Middle names for Esteban
A few middle names that flow with Esteban: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Esteban
Similar names
Lists that include Esteban
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Esteban mean?
Esteban is a Spanish and Greek name that means “crown, garland”.
What is the origin of the name Esteban?
Esteban has Spanish and Greek roots. Esteban is the Spanish form of Stephen, from the Greek Stephanos, meaning crown or garland, the kind of wreath given to victors in ancient contests.
Is Esteban a popular name?
Yes. Esteban ranked #461 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Esteban a boy or girl name?
Esteban is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Esteban?
Esteban is usually pronounced ehs-TEH-bahn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings