Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Steven
BoyGreek, English· “crown, garland”
- Meaning
- crown, garland
- Origin
- Greek, English
- Pronunciation
- STEE-vuhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #271
- US babies 2025
- 1,261
- Best rank
- #10 (1955)
- Peak year
- 1956
Meaning and origin of Steven
Steven is a Greek and English name that means “crown, garland”.
Steven is an English spelling of Stephen, from the Greek stephanos, meaning "crown" or "garland", such as the wreath given to victors. In the Acts of the Apostles, Stephen is one of the first deacons and is honored as the first Christian martyr. The name spread through Europe in many forms, including Stefan, Esteban and Étienne, and it was borne by King Stephen of England and Saint Stephen, the first king of Hungary. The Steven spelling reflects the English pronunciation. It has a friendly, dependable character and was especially common in the mid twentieth century. Steve is the classic nickname.
Other spellings with the same sound: Stephen.
Popularity over time
Steven has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #10 in 1955, and the most babies received it in 1956, when 38,413 were named Steven. In 2025, 1,261 babies were named Steven, and it ranked #271 nationally. That is 54% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #270 in 1920, #16 in 1950, #28 in 1980, #54 in 2000, #116 in 2010, and #271 in 2025. Of the 1,293,124 US boys named Steven since records began, 26% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1960s come next, with 290,607 babies. Since 2010, 35,391 more have been named Steven.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Joseph, Kenneth, Paul, Douglas, and Randy.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Steven ranked highest in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | #168 | 61 |
| Pennsylvania | #172 | 75 |
| Virginia | #198 | 45 |
| New Hampshire | #203 | 7 |
| Maryland | #207 | 29 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Steven is usually pronounced STEE-vuhn, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with S and ends in “-en”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Stephen.
Middle names for Steven
A few middle names that flow with Steven: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Steven
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Lists that include Steven
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Steven mean?
Steven is a Greek and English name that means “crown, garland”.
What is the origin of the name Steven?
Steven has Greek and English roots. Steven is an English spelling of Stephen, from the Greek stephanos, meaning "crown" or "garland", such as the wreath given to victors.
Is Steven a popular name?
Yes. Steven ranked #271 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Steven a boy or girl name?
Steven is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Steven?
Steven is usually pronounced STEE-vuhn. 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