An English surname the family name of Stephens comes from the name Stephen, which means wreath or head crown.

Spelling variations for Stephens include Steven, Stiven, Stevens and Stephen.

In Scotland the Stephens surname is scattered in the central and coastal regions. The greater populations are in Midlothian, Lanarkshire and Ayrshire counties.

Stephens started in Gloucestershire in England with FitzStephen. The Stephens surname in England is found in the southwestern region including in Cornwall and Devon. Many with the Stephens surname also live in the southern coastal areas in Wales, along the Glamorgan County.

Those with the Stephens surname in the United States are found throughout all the states. The higher concentrations are in the northeast and the southern states. Stephens are very populated in Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Alabama, Kentucky and Georgia.

Famous: John Lloyd Stephens (American explorer of the 19th century), Vern Stephens (professional baseball player), Alexander H. Stephens (Civil War Confederate Vice President), Ann S. Stephens (19th century novelist), James B. Stephens (19th century pioneer of East Portland, Oregon) and Kenny Stephens (footballer in England).