Ancient peoples considered names to be very powerful. In myths, stories and actual events, name changes were given to people during life turning events. Heracles/Hercules wasn't the birth name of the legendary hero, but a name taken on after his visit to the oracle at Delphi who set him on his path of 12 labors. Or another famous example is the biblical patriarch Abraham who went by Abram until the Hebrew God named him the father of his people. In fairy tales like Rumplestiltskin, knowing the name of a person gave you power over them. For such reasons, I thought getting insight on the meaning and background of Stefan's name would be worthwhile in exploring his personality.

According to the Kabbalarians, the name of Stefan (deriving from the Greek word for "crown") reflects a serious-minded, responsible, and stable person. They love the security of a home and family, and although they have good business judgment, they are not aggressive in their dealings because they do not like to create issues. They're successful in any position dealing with the public as they have a diplomatic and tactful manner and possess a charming, easy-going nature which puts people at ease. People are drawn to them because they feel that Stefans are patient, kind, understanding, and responsive. While they are honest and responsible, one weakness that is paramount in their life is their lack of self-confidence and initiative, which causes them to put things off and avoid facing issues. A description that sounds extremely on target to me.

In The Awakening, Stefan mentions that he was named after St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. St. Stephen was one of the seven deacons to brought before the Sanhedrin on charges on blasphemy. After a charged speech defending his beliefs, he was taken out of the court and stoned to death.

St. Stephen seems like an apt namesake to me, representing the moral trials Stefan goes through for respect for human life. Because of his shame for his nature and his quest for the moral ideal, he sacrifices the strength of his nature (and sometimes his health) much like St. Stephen did for his religious beliefs.