Steponas (shortened as Stepas) is a Lithuanian masculine given name, the Lithuanian cognate of Stephen. It derives from the Greek name Stephanos (Στέφανος), meaning "crown" or "wreath," symbolizing victory and honor. The name gained wide currency in the Christian world due to Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr stoned to death as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 7). History and Cultural Significance The name Stephen (and its cognates like Steponas) spread across Europe following Christianization. In Lithuania, the name Steponas reflects the country's Catholic heritage and its adoption of saints' names. Notably, the form Steponas is unique to the Lithuanian language and has consistent usage among Lithuanian-speakers. Notable Bearers Steponas is borne by several prominent Lithuanians, including: Steponas Babrauskas (born 1984), a Lithuanian professional basketball player. Steponas Darašius (1896–1933), a Lithuanian-born American pilot and aviation pioneer. Steponas Kairys (1879–1964), a Lithuanian engineer, nationalist, and social democrat, and a signatory of the Act of Independence of Lithuania in 1918. Steponas Kazimieraitis (1933–1995), a Lithuanian painter. Derivatives and Variants The name also has a feminine form, Stefanija, and is related to equivalents in many languages, such as Stephanos (Greek), Stepan (Ukrainian), Estebe or Eztebe (Basque), and Stephon (African American). Summary Meaning: "crown, wreath" Origin: Greek via Hebrew (Saint Stephen) Type: Given Name Usage Regions: Lithuania