%c3%a9tienne

Étienne is the French form of Stephen, derived from the Greek name Stephanos, meaning crown or wreath, itself from the verb stephein, to encircle or to wreathe. The name was widely adopted across medieval Europe owing to Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, whose veneration made it one of the most common names in France for centuries. Notable French bearers include the philosopher Étienne de la Boétie and the inventor Étienne Lenoir. Cognates in other languages include Stefan, Esteban, Stefano, and Stephan.