Stefanos

Origin

Greek origin, from the name Στέφανος (Stephanos), meaning 'crown' or 'garland'. It appears in ancient Greek texts and is associated with Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Notably used in Greek Orthodox tradition, with variations across Christian cultures. In Australia, the name has been adopted through Greek migrant communities and general Christian naming practices.

Meaning

Literal translation is 'crown' or 'wreath', symbolising honour and accomplishment. In the Australian context, it often connotes regal dignity, achievement, or spiritual honour.

Pronunciation

/stɛˈfɑː.nos/ (standard Australian English pronunciation with emphasis on the second syllable, 'fah')}s, with a softer 'o' as in 'lot'. It’s often pronounced as 'Stuh-FAH-nos' in Australia.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 26 December (Feast of Saint Stephen)
• 24 August (Feast of Saint Bartholomew, occasionally linked in Christian calendars)
• 15 February (Māori celebration of Matariki, the Māori New Year, where names symbolising honour are significant)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with stefanos:

• Mateo and Luca (popular twin names among European-speaking Australians)
• James and Thomas (classic Christian names used widely in Australia)
• Hugo and Elias (contemporary favourites in Australian nurseries)

Fun Facts

• The name Stefanos is popular among Greek-Australian families, especially in Melbourne’s Greek community.
• In Australian sports history, several rugby players bear the name, symbolising strength and resilience.
• There is a rare Australian-based nightclub named 'Crown Stefanos', playing on the meaning of the name.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name stefanos:

• honourable
• resilient
• spiritual
• regal

Aesthetic Qualities

The name has a classic, balanced visual appeal, with symmetrical letter forms and a strong phonetic presence, fitting well in both formal and informal Australian contexts.

Geographical Distribution

Most common in Greek-Australian communities concentrated in Victoria and New South Wales, particularly around Melbourne and Sydney, with moderate usage nationwide.

Numerological Significance

Name number 9, associated with universal love, humanitarian efforts, and idealism, fitting traits admired in Australian multicultural society. This can symbolise the bearer’s role as a connector or peacemaker.

Astrological Connections

Often linked with the Scorpio and Sagittarius zodiac signs, indicating passion, resilience, and philosophical outlooks, resonant with the name's historical and cultural connotations.

Historical Context

Saint Stephen's martyrdom is recounted in the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament, making the name a symbol of faith and steadfastness. In Australia, the name has been borne by notable figures in arts and sports, influencing its cultural resonance.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts well across languages, often maintained in its original form or slightly modified to fit local phonetics in countries like Italy, France, and Greece. In non-Greek-speaking Australia, it's often rendered as 'Stefanos' or sometimes simplified to 'Steve'.

Famous People Named stefanos

• Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greek tennis player)
• Stefanos Manikas (Australian-Greek artist)
• Stefanos Zoe (fictional character in Australian literature)

Popularity in Australia