MyNameList

    István

    Also spelled: Stephen, Stefan, Esteban, Étienne, Stephan

    István · Stephen · Stefan · Esteban · Étienne

    Pronunciation: EESH-tvaan

    ♂ Male
    Ancient Greek

    Meaning

    Crown, garland

    Origin

    Greek

    The Story Behind István

    István is the Hungarian form of the Greek name Stephanos (Στέφανος), meaning 'crown' or 'garland'. The name gained immense popularity in Hungary due to Saint Stephen I, the first King of Hungary, who was crowned in 1000 or 1001 AD and played a crucial role in Christianizing the country. His reign established Hungary as a Christian kingdom within Europe, making the name deeply embedded in Hungarian national and religious identity.

    The name has remained consistently popular throughout Hungarian history, symbolizing royalty, leadership, and national heritage. Its widespread use reflects the enduring reverence for Saint Stephen and the historical significance of his reign. Despite its ancient Greek roots, István is almost exclusively associated with Hungarian culture.

    Popularity & Trends

    Rarity:
    Uncommon
    Trend:Classic
    Era:Medieval, Contemporary
    Popular in:Hungary

    Popularity Trends

    Is István Right for Your Baby?

    István is a Royal, Strong, Classic name for boys that suits parents looking for something with character. It may require a brief explanation of pronunciation in some regions.

    Syllables2
    LengthMedium
    International UseNiche
    PronunciationModerate

    Cultural Associations

    Biblical / Christian

    Regions Where István Is Used

    Hungarian

    Name Vibe

    Royal
    Strong
    Classic

    Famous People Named István

    Nicknames & Short Forms

    Pista
    Pisti
    • Pista
    • Pisti

    István in different fonts

    IstvánDancing Script
    IstvánCaveat
    IstvánSatisfy
    IstvánPacifico
    IstvánGreat Vibes

    Sibling Name Style

    If you like István, you might also like names with these styles:

    Traditional Hungarian
    Historical

    Related Names

    Found in these lists

    Frequently Asked Questions About István

    What does István mean?

    István means "Crown, garland". It is derived from Greek.

    What is the origin of István?

    István originates from Ancient Greek. Its cultural origin is Greek.

    Is István a male or female name?

    István is a male name.

    How do you pronounce István?

    István is pronounced "EESH-tvaan".

    What language does István come from?

    István comes from Ancient Greek.

    Is István a popular name?

    István is considered a uncommon name, and its popularity trend is classic.

    What are variants of István?

    Variants of István include Stephen, Stefan, Esteban, Étienne, Stephan.

    What are nicknames for István?

    Common nicknames for István include Pista, Pisti.

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