Find out how popular the first name Sten has been for the last 29 years (from 1975 to 2003) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Sten by gender

Based on the last 29 years of data, Sten is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2003, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Sten.

The history of the first name Sten

The name Sten is of Swedish origin, derived from the Old Norse word "steinn," which means "stone." This name has been in use since the Middle Ages in Scandinavia and other parts of northern Europe.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Sten can be found in the Icelandic sagas, which are medieval literary works that date back to the 13th century. In these sagas, Sten was often used as a nickname or diminutive form of longer names that contained the element "stein" or "steen."

During the Viking Age, which spanned from the late 8th century to the late 11th century, the name Sten was popular among the Norse people who settled in various parts of Europe, including Scandinavia, England, and Normandy. This name was likely chosen for its association with strength and durability, as stones were seen as symbols of resilience and permanence.

One of the most notable historical figures with the name Sten was Sten Sture the Elder (1440-1503), a Swedish statesman and regent who played a crucial role in the struggle for Sweden's independence from the Kalmar Union. He was a prominent leader of the Sture family, which held significant power in Sweden during the late 15th and early 16th centuries.

Another famous bearer of the name Sten was Sten Sture the Younger (1493-1520), the son of Sten Sture the Elder. He followed in his father's footsteps and served as regent of Sweden, leading the country's resistance against the Danish King Christian II during the Swedish War of Liberation.

In the realm of literature, Sten Selander (1891-1957) was a Swedish novelist and playwright who gained recognition for his works that explored social issues and rural life in Sweden. His most famous novel, "The Scorners of Peipsiö," was published in 1920 and became a classic of Swedish literature.

Sten Rudholm (1905-1974) was a Swedish actor and director who made significant contributions to the Swedish film industry during the mid-20th century. He appeared in numerous films and television productions, and his directorial debut, "One Summer of Happiness," received critical acclaim in 1951.

Another notable figure with the name Sten was Sten Lundwall (1923-2009), a Swedish actor and comedian who rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s. He starred in numerous popular films and television shows, cementing his status as one of Sweden's most beloved comedians of his time.

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

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

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