The name Steffen is of German origin, derived from the Greek name Stephanos, which means "crown" or "wreath." It is a variant of the more common name Stephen or Stefan, which has been popular throughout Europe for centuries.

In medieval times, the name Steffen was primarily found in German-speaking regions, particularly in areas like Bavaria and Saxony. It was often associated with nobility and the upper classes, as the name's connection to the idea of a crown or wreath implied a sense of honor and distinction.

One of the earliest known references to the name Steffen can be found in the writings of the 9th-century scholar and theologian Hrabanus Maurus, who mentioned a Steffen among the members of the royal court in his works.

Through the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance, the name Steffen continued to be used across German-speaking lands. Notable historical figures who bore this name include Steffen von Arnim, a 16th-century Prussian statesman and diplomat, and Steffen Arngeir Pedersen, a 17th-century Norwegian scholar and poet.

In the 18th century, Steffen Jacobsen was a prominent Danish astronomer who made significant contributions to the field of celestial mechanics. Around the same time, Steffen Abildgaard, a Norwegian-Danish painter and art historian, gained recognition for his works depicting historical and mythological scenes.

During the 19th century, Steffen Steffensen, a Danish mathematician and engineer, made important contributions to numerical analysis and the development of iterative methods for solving equations.

While the name Steffen has remained most common in Germany and Scandinavia, it has also been used in other parts of Europe and beyond. Some notable individuals with this name include Steffen Iversen, a Norwegian footballer who played for several Premier League clubs in England in the late 20th century, and Steffen Skalski, a contemporary German actor known for his work in films and television.