Find out how popular the first name Stefania has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Stefania by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Stefania is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 56 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Stefania.

The history of the first name Stefania

The name Stefania originated from the Greek language and culture, with its roots dating back to ancient times. It is derived from the Greek word "stephanos," meaning "crown" or "wreath." This name was often associated with victory, achievement, and honor in ancient Greek society.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Stefania can be found in the ancient Greek text, "The Odyssey," written by Homer around the 8th century BC. In this epic poem, Stefania is mentioned as the name of a character, although her role is minor.

During the Byzantine era, which spanned from the 4th to the 15th century AD, the name Stefania gained popularity among the Greek Orthodox Christian community. It was often given to girls as a way to honor the many female saints and martyrs who bore the name or its variants.

In the 12th century, a famous Byzantine princess named Stefania Comnena lived during the reign of Emperor Manuel I Comnenus. She was known for her intelligence, beauty, and influential role in the imperial court.

As the name spread across Europe, it took on various spellings and forms, such as Stephanie, Stefanie, and Stefania. One notable figure was Stefania Przybyszewska, a Polish writer and artist born in 1858, who was a prominent figure in the Young Poland movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

In the 20th century, the name gained further recognition with the Russian ballerina Stefania Mikhaylovna Drosso, born in 1899. She was a prima ballerina with the Bolshoi Ballet and is considered one of the greatest ballerinas of her time.

Another famous bearer of the name was Stefania Woytilla Turek, the mother of Pope John Paul II, who was born in 1876 in Poland. Her devotion to her faith and her son's vocation as a priest played a significant role in his life and spiritual journey.

These examples illustrate the rich history and cultural significance of the name Stefania, which has been borne by notable figures throughout various eras and regions, reflecting its enduring appeal and timeless beauty.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Stefania was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Stefania, please contact us.

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