Etienne

/eɪtiˈɛn/ proper noun

Definition

A French masculine given name, equivalent to Stephen in English. Means 'crown' or 'garland.'

Etymology

From Latin Stephanus, from Greek Stephanos meaning 'crown, garland, wreath.' Saint Étienne (Stephen) was the first Christian martyr. The French form developed through Vulgar Latin pronunciation changes, with the 'ph' becoming 'f' then disappearing.

Kelly Says

Saint-Étienne, France (named after Saint Stephen) is famous for its industrial heritage, especially coal mining and weapons manufacturing - quite different from the peaceful 'crown of flowers' meaning of the name! The name traveled from ancient Greek victory crowns to French industrial cities.

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