Origin
Italian origin, derived from the Latin name Stephanus, meaning 'crown' or 'wreath'. The name Stephanus appears in historical texts such as the Bible, notably Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. The Italian form 'Stefano' has been widely adopted in various countries, including Australia, through Italian immigration and cultural influence.
Meaning
'Crown' or 'wreath' — symbolising honour, victory, or recognition. In Australian English, it carries connotations of respect and nobility, often associated with leadership or celebration occasions.
Pronunciation
/stɛˈfaːno/ (Australian English pronunciation: 'steh-FAH-no') — with stress on the penultimate syllable, typical of Italian pronunciation in Australia.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Stefano (original Italian)
- Stephan (English variant)
- Stefanos (Greek variant)
- Stefano (Spanish and Portuguese)
Nicknames
- Stef
- Stefano
- Steve
Name Days
- 26 December (Feast of Saint Stephen)
- 26 December (Boxing Day, historically linked to Saint Stephen’s feast)
- 1 February (Māori celebration of Waitangi Day, not directly related but culturally observed as a national day)
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with stefano:
- Alexander and Stefano
- Luca and Stefano
- Giovanni and Stefano
- Maria and Stefano
Fun Facts
- The name Stefano is popular among Italian Australians, especially in Melbourne and Sydney communities.
- Famous Italian-Australians with the name include Stefano Baldini, though internationally renowned.
- 'Stefano' has been used for characters in Australian film and theatre to denote Italian heritage.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name stefano:
- Respectful
- Honourable
- Leadership qualities
- Family-oriented
Aesthetic Qualities
Elegant and classic, with a strong yet refined visual appeal suited to both formal and informal contexts in Australian English typography and branding.
Geographical Distribution
More prevalent within Italian Australian communities in Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia, particularly in suburbs with large Italian populations.
Numerological Significance
Name number 33, associated with compassion, creativity, and spiritual growth in numerology, suggesting a nurturing personality with leadership potential.
Astrological Connections
Linked with the zodiac sign Scorpio due to its strong, intense connotations, although not traditionally associated with a specific birth date directly.
Historical Context
The name has historical significance through Saint Stephen, a biblical figure venerated as the first Christian martyr. In Australian culture, it has been embraced by immigrant communities, particularly Italian, and has appeared in local arts, sports, and cultural festivals.
Linguistic Adaptability
Easily adaptable across languages with variants in spelling and pronunciation, maintaining the core phonetic elements. In non-Italian speaking countries, it is often simplified for pronunciation.
Famous People Named stefano
- Stefano Baldini (Marathon Runner)
- Stefano Terrazzino (TV personality)
- Stefano Colella (Musician)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2013 | 3 |