Stephens

Stephens is a common British surname with origins in England. It is derived from the first name Stephen, which is of Greek origin meaning "crown" or "wreath". The surname Stephens is patronymic, meaning it was originally used to denote the son of someone named Stephen.

Origin and Meaning

The surname Stephens can be traced back to medieval England, where it was first recorded in the 13th century. It was likely used to distinguish those individuals who were descendants of someone named Stephen. The name Stephen itself has historical significance, as it was the name of one of the first Christian martyrs in the Bible, Saint Stephen.

Distribution and Popularity

The surname Stephens is fairly common in the United Kingdom, particularly in England and Wales. It has also spread to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The popularity of the name has remained relatively stable over time.

Notable Individuals

  • Alexander Stephens: American politician who served as Vice President of the Confederate States during the American Civil War.
  • Delia Stephens: English actress known for her roles in British television series.
  • Ryan Stephens: British author and historian specializing in British colonial history.

Variations

The surname Stephens has several variations and spellings, including Stevens, Stevenson, and Stephenson. These variations may have arisen due to regional dialects or phonetic changes over time.

In conclusion, the surname Stephens is a common British surname with a rich history and widespread distribution. Its origins can be traced back to medieval England, and it continues to be a popular surname in English-speaking countries around the world.

There are approximately 28,804 people named Stephens in the UK. That makes it the 279th most common surname in Britain. Around 442 in a million people in Britain are named Stephens.

Surname type: From name of parent

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jane
  • Karen
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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