Surname Stephenson - Meaning and Origin

Stephenson: What does the surname Stephenson mean?

The surname Stephenson is of Old Norse and Old English origins, primarily used in Northern England and Scotland. It translates to "son of Stephen." The name Stephen itself is derived from the Greek name "Stephanos," which means "crown" or "garland." Therefore, the surname Stephenson could indirectly mean "son of the crowned one" or "son of the garlanded one." Over the centuries, the spelling has varied significantly, with records showing multiple forms including Stevenson, Stephenson, Stephinson, and Stepheson. The surname became popular following the Norman Conquest in 1066, when biblical and Christian names gained wide acceptance. Today, Stephenson remains a common surname in countries with English-speaking populations.

Stephenson: Where does the name Stephenson come from?

The last name Stephenson is a common surname in both the United States and the United Kingdom. In the United States, the most common locations for people with this name are Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania. It is currently the 568th most popular name in the United States, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

In the United Kingdom, Stephenson is a relatively common surname. Although it is not as widespread as it is in the United States, it is still relatively popular. According to the UK Office for National Statistics, Stephenson is the 233rd most common last name in England and Wales. It is also a common name in Scotland, where it ranks 297th.

The origin of the Stephenson surname dates back to the Middle Ages in England and Scotland. It is thought that the name originated from the nickname “Stephen’s son” or “son of Stephen”. Over time, the surname evolved to become Stephenson. Today, people with the last name Stephenson are mainly found in English-speaking countries, particularly in North America, the UK and Australia.

Variations of the surname Stephenson

The surname Stephenson is derived from the Old English Stephen, which is an Anglicised form of the Greek name Stephanos. Variants of this surname include Stevanson, Stevensen, Stevenson, Stivenson, Stivenson, Stiven, Stepenson, and Stephanos.

The spelling of the surname Stevenson is derived from the same source as Stephenson and is the most common form of the surname. This spelling is the preferred spelling in the United Kingdom and throughout the world. It is also the spelling used in the United States and Canada.

The surname Stivenson is a derivative of Stevenson and is a rarer variant in the UK and US. The spelling variant Stivenson is also derived from the same source. Stiven is another spelling of the surname and is more commonly seen in Scotland and Northern England.

Stepenson is the Scandinavian version of the surname. The spelling variant Stephanos is the most popular form of the surname in many countries in Europe, particularly in Greece.

The surname Stephen is an alternate spelling of Stephenson; it is most commonly found in Ireland. Stephen is used as a Christian name in many countries, and for this reason it is associated with the surname Stephenson.

Most of the variants of Stephenson denote the original spelling of the surname. Therefore, all of the surnames mentioned above (including the variants spelled differently) have the same origin.

Famous people with the name Stephenson

• Aneurin Bevan, British Labour Party legislator and architect of the National Health Service.
• George Stephenson, British mechanical engineer considered to be the godfather of the railway.
• Bronnie Stephenson, Australian author, speaker, entrepreneur, and former Olympian.
• Jaime Stephenson, Canadian author and former Olympian.
• Margaret "Maggie" Stephenson, British stage actress and director.
• Brad Stephenson, American entrepreneur and venture capitalist.
• Shelley Stephenson, American former synchronized swimmer.
• Chris Stephenson, Canadian actor, screenwriter, and filmmaker.
• Wren Stephenson, American actress, screenwriter, and director.
• Alan Stephenson, British educationalist and former professor of science education.
• Jenny Stephenson, British writer and former academic.
• Simon Stephenson, British actor, playwright, and director.
• Pepita Steenson, German-born American clinical psychologist and author.
• Les Stephenson, British former professional footballer.
• Adam Stephenson, English former professional footballer.
• Michael Stephenson, British actor and filmmaker.
• Derek Stephenson, British former professional footballer.
• William O. Stephenson, American professional baseball player.
• Walter Stephenson, British antique dealer and television presenter.
• Bill Stephenson, Canadian ice hockey player.

Other surnames

StephenStephensStephensenStephensson