Find out how popular the first name Stein has been for the last 39 years (from 1974 to 2012) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Stein by gender

Based on the last 39 years of data, Stein is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2012, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Stein.

The history of the first name Stein

The name Stein is a German name derived from the Old German word "stein," meaning "stone" or "rock." This name likely originated in the Medieval Germanic regions, where it was initially used as a descriptive name for someone who lived near a prominent rock or stony area.

The earliest recorded use of the name Stein dates back to the 12th century, where it appeared in various Germanic records and chronicles. During this time, the name was primarily used as a surname, but it gradually transitioned into a given name as well.

In the 13th century, the name Stein gained prominence with the rise of the influential Stein family, who were nobles and landowners in various parts of Germany. One notable member of this family was Gottfried von Stein, a German knight and crusader who participated in the Fifth Crusade in the early 1200s.

The name Stein continued to be popular throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period, particularly in Germanic regions. During this time, several notable individuals bore the name, including the German painter and engraver Georg Stein (1628-1708), known for his intricate landscape etchings.

In the 18th century, Stein gained further recognition with the birth of Baron Gerhard von Stein (1757-1831), a Prussian statesman and reformer who played a crucial role in the political and economic reforms of Prussia during the Napoleonic era.

As the name spread beyond its Germanic origins, it was embraced in various cultures and languages. One notable individual was the Russian-American writer and philosopher, Gertrude Stein (1874-1946), who was a pioneer of modernist literature and a significant figure in the Parisian avant-garde movement of the early 20th century.

Another prominent figure bearing the name Stein was the American physicist and co-winner of the 1972 Nobel Prize in Physics, Benjamin Stein (1914-1972), who made significant contributions to the field of statistical mechanics and the development of modern quantum field theory.

In the world of sports, the name Stein has been carried by several notable athletes, including the American professional baseball player, Charlie Stein (1888-1979), who played in the Major Leagues for over a decade and was a member of the 1916 World Series champion Boston Red Sox team.

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 Stein was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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