Stephen means crown, and he won the martyr's crown first of all. Chosen as one of the seven deacons, full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, he preached a sermon so piercing that the council stoned him. As he died he saw heaven opened and the Son of man standing, and prayed for his executioners: Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.
Watching over the coats of those who stoned him was a young man named Saul — who would one day become Paul. Stephen's dying prayer helped shape the greatest missionary in history.
Stephen is a timeless, dignified classic — royal and enduring, shortened warmly to Steve.
Variants & nicknames
Steven, Steve, Stefan, Esteban
Stephen in the Bible
And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.