Stephen Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Stephen come from? What does the surname Stephen mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Stephen and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Stephen Origin: What does the last name Stephen mean?
The surname Stephen has English, Scottish, and German origins. In England, it first appeared in records around the early 11th century. The name is believed to have been associated with metalwork, similar to the occupational surname Smith. Over the centuries, the Stephen surname has been closely linked to England, with records also found in countries like France, indicating a global spread.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Stephen surname in the United Kingdom since the early 11th century. By the 20th century, the surname had significantly grown in the United States, remaining prominent in countries like France and England. Today, the Stephen surname continues to be prevalent globally, showcasing its enduring legacy and widespread distribution.
Stephen Last Name History: Where did the last name Stephen come from?
Origin of Stephen Surname: Where does the last name Stephen originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Stephen first appeared in records from England around the early 11th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Stephen spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Stephen: What does the Stephen surname history look like in the early days?
The Stephen surname remained closely associated with England from the 11th to the 17th century. YourRoots data also shows Stephen family records in countries like France, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Stephen surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Stephen surname grew significantly in the United States. The Stephen surname remains prominent in the United States. It appears in many countries, including France and England.
Explore Stephen last name heritage and Stephen surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Stephen Surame?
Leslie Stephen
Sir Leslie Stephen (28 Nov 1832 – 22 Feb 1904) was an English author, critic, historian, and mountaineer. He was a prominent figure in the Ethical movement and the father of famous writers Virginia Woolf and Vanessa Bell. Born into an intellectual family, he lost his faith due to religious controversies surrounding Charles Darwin's work. Stephen's marriages to Harriet Thackeray and Julia Duckworth resulted in a total of seven children. His second wife, Julia, was a model for Pre-Raphaelite painters. Stephen's contributions to literature and philosophy continue to be celebrated today.
Julia Stephen
Julia Prinsep Stephen (née Jackson; February 7, 1846 – May 5, 1895) was an English Pre-Raphaelite model and philanthropist. She was the mother of Virginia Woolf and Vanessa Bell, members of the Bloomsbury Group, and the wife of biographer Leslie Stephen. Julia was known for her modeling work and social justice advocacy, as well as her literary contributions and role in her family's life. Her legacy continues through her notable children and descendants, providing insights into the domestic life of the Stephens through the writings of Virginia Woolf.
Marcus Stephen
Marcus Ajemada Stephen (October 1, 1969) is a Nauruan politician and former weightlifter who served as President of Nauru from 2007 to 2011. He won seven Commonwealth gold medals in weightlifting and represented Nauru at the Olympics. Stephen faced corruption allegations during his presidency but continued to be involved in politics, serving as Speaker of Parliament in 2019. Born into a political family, he followed in his father's footsteps as a Member of Parliament. Stephen's sporting achievements and political career have made him a prominent figure in Nauruan history and politics.
Ninian Stephen
Sir Ninian Martin Stephen (15 Jun 1923 – 29 Oct 2017) was an English-born Australian judge. He served as the 20th governor-general of Australia from 1982 to 1989 and was a justice of the High Court of Australia from 1972 to 1982. Stephen was a leading constitutional lawyer, known for his moderate stance on the High Court. He also served in the Australian Army during World War II. After his term as governor-general, he remained active in public life as a conservationist and member of international tribunals. Stephen passed away at the age of 94, holding the title of Australia's longest-lived governor-general.
Susan Stephen
Susan Rennie Stephen (16 Jul 1931 – 21 Apr 2000) was an English film actress known for her roles in B-films in the 1950s. She appeared in over 20 films, including "The Red Beret" and "Carry On Nurse." Stephen married film director Nicolas Roeg and had four sons, one of whom followed in their parents' footsteps in the cinema industry. After focusing on her family in the 1960s, she gradually stepped away from acting, with her final role in the 1962 comedy "Three Spare Wives."
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