The name Steve is an English diminutive form of the name Steven, which derived from the ancient Greek name Stephanos meaning "crown" or "garland." The name gained popularity during the Middle Ages among Christians who associated it with the first Christian martyr, St. Stephen, whose name is derived from the Greek word stephanos.

The name Steve traces its origins back to the 5th century BCE when it was first used in ancient Greece. The earliest recorded use of the name can be found in the works of ancient Greek writers such as Herodotus and Aristotle. In the New Testament, the name is mentioned in the Book of Acts, referring to St. Stephen, who was stoned to death for his faith.

One of the earliest known figures with the name Steve was Stephen I, who served as Pope from 254 to 257 CE. He is known for his efforts in organizing the Church hierarchy and establishing the role of deacons. Another notable figure was Stephen of Hungary (975-1038), who was the first King of Hungary and played a crucial role in the country's conversion to Christianity.

During the Middle Ages, the name became increasingly popular throughout Europe, particularly in England. One of the most famous bearers of the name was Stephen Langton (c. 1150-1228), an English Catholic cardinal who was a key figure in the conflict between King John and the barons, which led to the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215.

In more recent history, several notable figures have borne the name Steve. One of the most famous was Steve Jobs (1955-2011), the co-founder of Apple Inc. and a pioneer of the personal computer revolution. Another well-known Steve was Steve McQueen (1930-1980), an American actor renowned for his roles in films such as The Magnificent Seven, The Great Escape, and Bullitt.

Other notable Steves throughout history include Steve Wozniak (born 1950), co-founder of Apple Inc. alongside Steve Jobs; Steve Prefontaine (1951-1975), an American long-distance runner and one of the greatest track athletes of his time; and Steve Irwin (1962-2006), an Australian wildlife expert and television personality known as the "Crocodile Hunter."