Stevens
A patronymic surname meaning “son of Stephen.”
The #135 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 1,663 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Stevens is an English surname built from the name Stephen, with the old possessive/genitive ending -s meaning “of Stephen” or “Stephen’s son.” The given name Stephen ultimately comes from Greek Stephanos, meaning “crown” or “garland.” In medieval records the surname appears in forms such as Stevens, Steevens, and related spellings.
History
It became established in England in the Middle Ages, when hereditary surnames were forming out of baptismal names. The name is especially common in English-speaking countries, and many later spellings and related surnames developed from the same source, including Stevenson and Stephens. Historical records cited by 19th-century surname writers show Stevens in use by the 14th century.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Older surname dictionaries treated Stevens and Steevens as straightforward “Stephen’s” surnames, and often grouped them with Stevenson and Stephens as close relatives.
From the historical record
“STEVEN = Stephen, q.v. STEVENS, Steven's (Son) \ etaohen STEVENSON, Steven's Son/ '• "^^Pien. Thomas Stevenson. — Yorks PfiU-Tax, A.D. 1379. STEVENTON (Eng.) Bel. to Steventon or Ste- vington (Berks : 14th cent. Styvington, 13th cent. Styvintott, Stivinton, Domesday Stivetune ; Beds : 13th cent. Stivinton,”
— Surnames of the United Kingdom: a concise etymological dictionary (2 vols in 1)