Surname Stepath - Meaning and Origin
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Stepath: What does the surname Stepath mean?
The last name Stepath is a name of German origin. It is a variant of the name Steppat, which is derived from a diminutive of the personal name of Stephan, or Stephen. Stephan comes from the Greek language and is derived from the word stephanos, meaning 'crown' or 'garland'.
The surname ultimately serves as a recognition the religious and spiritual roots of the family. It is associated with Christianity’s theme of the 'crown of thorns' and has been often associated with martyrdom throughout the ages. It is also a reminder of the ‘crown of life’, the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ.
The name Stepath began to gain popularity in the 16th century when it was adopted by German immigrants who settled into the Midwestern United States. It was further popularized in the 19th century as more immigrants arrived from Germany to establish their own families in the New World.
Today, Stepath is still a common surname throughout the German-speaking world and it continues to be highly regarded as a symbol of faith, strength, and courage. It is a reminder of our familial history and a signifier of faith, courage, and strength for the generations next.
Order DNA origin analysisStepath: Where does the name Stepath come from?
The last name Stepath is most commonly found today in Germany. It's an old-fashioned German name believed to have been derived from the word "Stephan," which means "crown." The surname may have originated as an occupational name—Stephans held positions of authority or importance such as clergymen and commanders.
The name Stepath is now dispersed throughout the world with biggest concentrations located in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the United States. It is also found in smaller numbers in Canada, England, Scotland, Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, South Africa, and France.
In Germany and Austria, the name is most often encountered in the states of Bavaria, Lower Saxony, Baden-Württemberg, and North Rhine Westphalia. In Switzerland, the name was especially popular in the Canton of St. Gallen when it was recorded in a Sourcebook of Swiss Surnames.
The United States is the country with the highest number of individuals who carry the Stepath last name. In the United States, Stepaths can especially be found in the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Oregon, California, Colorado, and Arizona.
In terms of other countries, Stepaths are present in England, Scotland, Australia, Brazil, and France, although in much smaller numbers. For example, the Canadian Census reported only 7 Stepaths living in Canada in 2016.
Today, Stepaths can be found all over the world, although the majority of them are located in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the United States.
Variations of the surname Stepath
The surname Stepath is a spelling variation of the surname Stephen. Other variant spellings of this surname include Stephath, Stephate, Stephathie, Stephatty, Stephattie, Steffath, Steffatie, Staffath, and Stephati.
The spelling variation of Stephen to Stepath began in the 1600s and 1700s when grandsons and other male descendant would alter the spelling of the family name slightly, either intentionally or unintentionally, to create their own unique version.
Stephen is an English, Irish, and Scottish surname, taken from the given name "Stephen." The given name Stephen has its roots in the Greek Stephanos. The name was used in biblical translations to refer to the first Christian martyr and has since become a popular given name throughout the English-speaking world.
As the Anglicization of Stephen spread, so did the surname that it produced. Stephens and variants are found throughout the British Isles as well as in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries of the British Commonwealth.
The variants of Stephen also led to interpretations of the surname in other languages. In France, the name has the spelling Etienne. In German and Dutch, the surname is Steffen. In the Scandinavian countries, the name is spelled Sten or Steen. In Italy, the surname is Stefano or Stefanoni. In Russian, the name is Stepan. In Poland, the name is Stefan. In Hungary, the name is Istvan or Sztevan.
Thus, despite the variant spellings of Stepath, the surname ultimately originates from the given name Stephen.
Famous people with the name Stepath
- Semyon Stepath: good known philanthropist and business leader
- Alan Stepath: famous jazz musician and composer
- Mike Stepath: professional tennis player
- Steven Stepath: award-winning actor
- Emma Stepath: renowned singer and songwriter
- Julian Stepath: Olympic swimmer
- Laura Stepath: popular model
- George Stepath: acclaimed Hollywood director
- Robert Stepath: popular economist
- Nick Stepath: legendary football player