The name Esteban is of Spanish origin and derives from the ancient Greek name Stephanos, meaning "crown" or "wreath." It gained popularity in Spain during the Middle Ages, particularly after the spread of Christianity in the region.

Esteban was a common name among early Christian martyrs, and one of the first recorded instances of the name appears in the New Testament of the Bible. Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, is referred to as Esteban in Spanish.

During the height of the Spanish Empire, the name Esteban was widely used throughout Spain and its colonies in the Americas. Notable historical figures with this name include Esteban de Antuñano, a 16th-century Spanish explorer and navigator who participated in the colonization of the Americas, and Esteban Gómez, a Portuguese explorer who sailed for Spain and is credited with discovering parts of North America in the early 16th century.

In the realm of art and literature, Esteban Murillo (1617-1682) was a renowned Spanish Baroque painter known for his religious works and genre scenes. Esteban Echeverría (1805-1851), on the other hand, was an Argentine writer, poet, and politician who played a significant role in the Argentine Romantic literary movement.

Another notable figure was Esteban de Luca (1786-1824), a Spanish military officer who fought against the French during the Peninsular War and later joined the Mexican War of Independence, where he rose to the rank of General.

Moving into the 20th century, Esteban Orue (1907-1989) was a prominent Uruguayan painter and sculptor known for his abstract and cubist works, while Esteban Trueba (1919-2012) was a Chilean writer and diplomat who served as ambassador to several countries.