Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Stefan
BoyGreek, German· “crown, wreath”
- Meaning
- crown, wreath
- Origin
- Greek, German
- Pronunciation
- STEH-fahn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,023
- US babies 2025
- 219
- Best rank
- #339 (1991)
- Peak year
- 1991
Meaning and origin of Stefan
Stefan is a Greek and German name that means “crown, wreath”.
Stefan is the German, Scandinavian and Slavic form of Stephen, which comes from the Greek stephanos, meaning crown or wreath. Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr described in the Book of Acts, made the name popular across Europe. Stefan has been especially common in Germany, Poland, Serbia and Sweden, and several Serbian rulers bore it. Famous modern bearers include the tennis player Stefan Edberg. The name feels crisp, European and classic. Stef and Steve are easy nicknames, and it pairs well with both short and long middle names.
Other spellings with the same sound: Stephane.
Popularity over time
Stefan first appears in US Social Security records in 1910. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 73 different years, starting in 1949. Its best national rank was #339 in 1991, the same year it reached its highest count of 719 babies. In 2025, 219 babies were named Stefan, and it ranked #1,023 nationally. That is 25% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,813 in 1920, #956 in 1950, #562 in 1980, #571 in 2000, #876 in 2010, and #1,023 in 2025. Of the 21,195 US boys named Stefan since records began, 25% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 1980s come next, with 4,016 babies. Since 2010, 4,022 more have been named Stefan.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Jordon, Rashad, Tyrell, Sheldon, and Alfonso.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Stefan ranked highest in Massachusetts, Arkansas, and New York.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | #614 | 8 |
| Arkansas | #621 | 5 |
| New York | #636 | 24 |
| Ohio | #644 | 15 |
| New Jersey | #646 | 11 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Stefan is usually pronounced STEH-fahn, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with S and ends in “-an”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Stephane.
Middle names for Stefan
A few middle names that flow with Stefan: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Stefan
Similar names
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Lists that include Stefan
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Stefan mean?
Stefan is a Greek and German name that means “crown, wreath”.
What is the origin of the name Stefan?
Stefan has Greek, German, and Slavic roots. Stefan is the German, Scandinavian and Slavic form of Stephen, which comes from the Greek stephanos, meaning crown or wreath.
Is Stefan a popular name?
Not especially. Stefan ranked #1,023 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Stefan a boy or girl name?
Stefan is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Stefan?
Stefan is usually pronounced STEH-fahn. 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