Surname Stepp - Meaning and Origin
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An Emotional Journey through Ancestry: The iGENEA Experience and Its Impact on my Perception of the Stepp Family Lineage
Taking the iGENEA ancestry DNA test was a whirlwind of emotions, from anticipation to amazement. The results enabled me to understand my roots, deepening my emotional connection to my family and strengthening my sense of identity centered around the surname Stepp.
N. Stepp
read moreStepp: What does the surname Stepp mean?
The surname Stepp is of Anglo-Saxon origin, primarily found in the United States and Germany. It may derive from the Old English word "steap" meaning "steep," given to a dweller on, or near a mountain, cliff, or a high, steep bank. It could also have occupational roots linked to those who worked in areas with steep hills. Additionally, it might carry Old Norse influences, referring to a stepfather (stjupa) or a nickname for a tall, lanky individual. Like many surnames, Stepp may have several origins, varying by region and family history. The various spellings of the name include: Step, Stepp, Stapp, Stupp, or Stoop. Notably, all these variations of the name reflect its association with places characterized by steep terrains. It is important to conduct personal genealogical research to understand the specific origin and meaning of one's Stepp lineage.
Order DNA origin analysisStepp: Where does the name Stepp come from?
The surname Stepp is an uncommon name that is primarily found in the United States, as well as countries with German-speaking communities such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Luxembourg. The highest concentration of the name Stepp is in the midwestern states of the U.S. with the largest populations being found in Ohio, Virginia, and Texas.
In the United States, the name is most frequently found in the Midwest, specifically in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Iowa, and Kentucky. The name is also well established in the Southern states, with the highest populations of Stepps in West Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, and Arkansas. However, many of the Stepps residing in the South are descendants of German immigrants to the U.S., rather than descendants of the original Scottish-English families.
In Germany, the name is most frequent in Bavaria, the affluent region located in southern Germany. In addition, the Stepp name is also common in Austria, Luxembourg and Switzerland.
Finally, the surname Stepp can be found scattered around the world in countries such as Australia, Canada, South Africa, Philippines, and Chile, but the name is most prevalent in the countries mentioned above.
Variations of the surname Stepp
The surname Stepp is of Germanic origin, deriving from the Middle High German "stapf" and meaning "path". Variants of the name include Steppe, Step, Steap, Stap, as well as such spelling variations as Steppe, Step, Stopp, and Stoppe.
There are also several surnames of the same origin such as Stapfer, Steph, Steffen, Steffens, Stepper, Steppers, Stepric, Stap, Stapp, Stapleton, and Steffey.
The name Stepp is common throughout the Germanic countries of Europe. It is especially popular in southern Germany, Austria and Switzerland. It is found in the United States as well, mostly among individuals of German ancestry who immigrated during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The variant Steppe can also be found in the United States; this is derived from the French surname Steppe. It was brought over by French Huguenot refugees who sought freedom of worship in America during the 18th century.
There are a handful of unique surnames that are related to Stepp, such as Stapple, Steppel, and Stupple. These are thought to derive from a combination of Stepp with an English phrase such as "apple, el, or le" during the time when English influence was spreading through Europe.
Famous people with the name Stepp
- Jesse L. Stepp: former professional American football fullback who played for the Los Angeles Rams from 1941 to 1951
- Bill Stepp: former basketball player for the University of North Carolina
- Randy Stepp: professional golfer on the PGA Tour
- Edgar Stepp: former American football player for the Brooklyn Dodgers
- Elliott Stepp: former basketball player for the University of Kentucky
- Peter Stepp: former college basketball and football player for Pennsylvania State Univeristy
- Steve Stepp: former college basketball player for Wake Forest University
- Joe Stepp: former professional baseball player in the Negro Leagues
- Archie Stepp: former American football player for the New York Giants
- Wally Stepp: former professional American football halfback who played for the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1950s and 1960s