Profile Text
Stevens – The Great Escape Festival 2011 – Day 3 – Brighton Dome – Brighton, UK – Photo Credit: Landmark / PR Photos
Place of Birth: Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan, U.S.
Date of Birth: July 1, 1975
Ethnicity: Greek, Lithuanian
Sufjan Stevens is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist.
Sufjan’s mother was of Greek origin. He is also said to be of Lithuanian descent.
Sufjan is a Persian name, which means “comes with a sword.” When he was born, his parents belonged to Subud, an interfaith spiritual community, whose founder gave Sufjan the name.
Sufjan’s maternal grandfather was Nick/Nicholas Marabeas (the son of Gustave/Gust O. Marabeas and Carrie/Kyriakoula O. Alexander/Alexandros/Alexandreas). Gustave was from Kalamata, Mesinia, Greece.
Sufjan’s maternal grandmother was Stella Kellepouris/Thomas (the daughter of Nick Thomas and Virginia Ballas). Stella was born in Michigan, and was also of Greek descent.
Sources: Genealogy of Sufjan Stevens (focusing on his mother’s side) – https://www.geni.com
Sufjan’s maternal grandfather, Nick/Nicholas Marabeas, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org
Sufjan’s maternal grandmother, Stella Kellepouris/Thomas, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org