Stephen
Name Origin & Meaning
From the Greek 'stephanos' (crown, wreath), the garland given to victorious athletes and honored citizens. The martyrdom crown — the victor's wreath of death for faith — is explicitly invoked in Revelation 2:10: 'Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.' Stephen died with his eyes on heaven and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God — the only time in the New Testament Jesus is seen standing, not seated.
First Biblical Appearance
“And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
Stephen's dying prayer — modeled on Jesus' words from the cross and the first recorded prayer addressed directly to Jesus.
Biblical Significance
Stephen was one of the seven deacons appointed to care for the Greek-speaking widows in Jerusalem. 'Full of faith and the Holy Spirit,' he performed great wonders and signs. Falsely accused of blasphemy, he delivered a sweeping historical defense before the Sanhedrin that recounted all of Israel's history and accused the leaders of being 'stiff-necked' in resisting the Holy Spirit. He was stoned to death while Saul of Tarsus held the coats — and his prayer 'Lord, lay not this sin to their charge' may have been the seed of Paul's conversion.
Notable Bearers
- Stephen the first Christian martyr
Personality & Character
Master teacher — the highest master number of divine compassion, healing, and holy instruction
Spiritual symbolism drawn from Scripture and tradition
Modern Variants
A Blessing for This Name
May you, like Stephen, see the heavens opened in your most desperate moment and the Son of Man standing to receive you. May your last prayer over your enemies be one of forgiveness, and may that prayer plant seeds that grow into the next great apostle.