This is a name which derives from the ancient Greek 'Stephanos' meaning 'The Crown'. 'Stephen or Steven' was a Norman introduction after the 1066 invasion, and was a highly personal popular name probably as a result of being both by the first Christian Martyr circa 300 A.D.. The name is first recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book as 'Stephanus' of Norfolk, whilst Agnes Stiven is recorded in Berkshire in the same year and Sibillia Stevenes in Berkshire in 1332. Later variant spellings include Thomas Steevens, christened at the church of St. Brides, London in 1693, Dorrothie Stevins married at St. Brides in 1599 and James Stevings (witness) at St. Philip, on March 18th 1863. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Alice Stevens,(also recorded as Stephenes), which was dated 1279, The Hundred Rolls of Huntingdonshire, during the reign of King Edward I, The Hammer of the Scots, 1272 - 1307. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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