Meaning & Origin
A diminutive of the male given name Steven and Stephen; also used as a formal male given name.
Steve is a boy's and girl's baby name of Greek origin, a diminutive of Steven and Stephen — from the Greek Stephanos meaning "crown" or "wreath," referring to the victor's crown in athletic competitions. Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, ensured the name's spread through the early church.
Steve peaked in the U.S. top 25 boys' names in the 1950s and 1960s. Steve Jobs redefined technology and design; Steve McQueen embodied cool in the 1960s; Steve Carell made it the face of awkward brilliance. Few single-syllable names carry this much personality across this many domains.