The name Stephenie has its origins in the Greek language, derived from the word "stephanos," meaning "crown" or "wreath." This name was initially used in ancient Greek culture, where it held symbolic significance as a mark of honor, victory, or achievement.

In the early days of Christianity, the name Stephenie gained prominence as a masculine form, Stephen, used to honor the first Christian martyr, Saint Stephen, who was stoned to death in Jerusalem around 33-36 AD. The name is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament, where Stephen is described as a man "full of faith and the Holy Spirit."

Over time, the name Stephenie emerged as a feminine variant of Stephen, possibly influenced by the French language, where the addition of an "e" at the end was a common practice for creating feminine forms of names. This transition likely occurred during the Middle Ages, as the name spread across Europe.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Stephenie can be found in the 12th century, when a woman named Stephenie de Longchamp was mentioned in historical records as the abbess of the Fontevraud Abbey in France from 1189 to 1208.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Stephenie. In the 16th century, Stephenie de Bourbon-Lancy (1494-1550) was a French noblewoman and a member of the House of Bourbon. In the 18th century, Stephenie Felicite, Comtesse de Genlis (1746-1830), was a French writer, educator, and member of the French aristocracy.

Moving into the 19th century, Stephenie Picken (1809-1868) was a Scottish poet and novelist, known for her works exploring the lives of working-class women in Scotland. In the early 20th century, Stephenie Fletcher (1878-1923) was an American novelist and playwright who gained recognition for her works depicting life in the American South.

More recently, Stephenie Meyer (born 1973) is a contemporary American author best known for her immensely popular Twilight series of young adult vampire-romance novels, which were later adapted into a successful film franchise.