The name Stephanie traces its origins back to the Greek language and culture. It is a feminine form of the male name Stephanos, which means "crown" or "wreath." The name likely emerged in the ancient Greek-speaking world sometime around the 1st century AD.

In its earliest known uses, Stephanie was a relatively uncommon name, primarily found among Greek-speaking Christians in the eastern Mediterranean region. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name appears in a 5th-century Greek manuscript, where it is listed as the name of a Christian martyr.

As the centuries passed, the name gradually spread to other parts of Europe, particularly in regions influenced by the Byzantine Empire and the Eastern Orthodox Church. It was adopted into various languages, including Russian (Степанида, Stepanida) and Ukrainian (Стефанія, Stefaniya).

In the Middle Ages, Stephanie remained a relatively rare name, but it was occasionally bestowed upon noblewomen and members of royal families. One notable example is Stephanie of Aquitaine (c. 1095-1159), a Duchess of Burgundy and a distant relative of Eleanor of Aquitaine.

The name gained wider popularity during the Renaissance and Reformation periods, particularly in Protestant regions of Europe. One of the earliest well-known bearers of the name was Stephanie de Bourbon-Lannoy (1508-1583), a French noblewoman and supporter of the Huguenot cause.

Over the centuries, several other notable individuals have borne the name Stephanie, including Stephanie de Longueville (1619-1694), a French noblewoman and patron of the arts; Stephanie Louise de Bourbon (1789-1860), a Grand Duchess of Baden; and Stephanie of Monaco (1836-1897), a German-born Princess of Monaco.

In the 20th century, the name Stephanie gained further popularity, particularly in English-speaking countries. One of the most famous bearers of the name was Stephanie St. Clair (1897-1982), a French-born American fashion designer and entrepreneur who founded the company Counsel House, Inc.

Other notable Stephanies from the 20th century include Stephanie Kwolek (1923-2014), an American chemist who invented Kevlar; Stephanie Mills (born 1957), an American singer and actress; and Stephanie Courtney (born 1970), an American actress best known for portraying the character "Flo" in Progressive Insurance commercials.