Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry recently opened up about a surprising detail behind his widely recognized nickname, “Steph,” revealing that his wife, Ayesha Curry, never uses it. This revelation came during a detailed discussion where Curry reflected on his career, his nicknames, and the personal meanings behind them, offering a rare glimpse into his life beyond basketball.
Throughout his illustrious career, Stephen Curry has acquired several notable nicknames such as Chef Curry, The Baby-Faced Assassin, and The Human Torch. He has also become part of an exclusive group of global icons recognized by a single name: Steph. However, in a candid conversation on the podcast 360 With Speedy, Curry explained how the nickname “Steph” originated and who in his life resists calling him by it.
The Origin and Personal Meaning Behind “Steph”
During his interview with host Speedy Morman, Curry was asked to compare his fame to other famous single-name legends like Kobe, Prince, and Michael. Showing his trademark humility, Curry admitted that he never gave much thought to being recognized in such a way. Instead, he pointed to a humorous milestone that marked his rise in public recognition.
Honestly, for the longest time, my biggest achievement was that people finally stopped calling me Steven,
Curry said with a laugh.
That’s when you know you’ve made it a little—when they stop mispronouncing your name.
—Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors Player
This lighthearted remark highlights how far his public profile has grown, with former teammate Shaun Livingston describing him as,
He’s an A-list celebrity. A-plus. Another tier.
—Shaun Livingston, Former Teammate
Curry then shed light on why, despite the world calling him “Steph,” Ayesha Curry refuses to adopt the nickname.
My wife? She never calls me that—ever. It’s Stephen or some pet name we have for each other,
he shared openly. The nickname “Steph” traces back to his college days at Davidson, where only his coach Bob McKillop used it. Curry’s parents and peers originally stuck to “Steven,” and the nickname “Steph” developed later as his career progressed.
When I was in college—back when we started dating—my coach, McKillop at Davidson, he was the only one who called me Steph. My parents didn’t. Nobody at school did… So Steph kind of took on a life of its own later.
—Stephen Curry
In fact, Ayesha has her own unique pet name for Curry. A few years ago, she affectionately referred to him as Chooch in a Father’s Day post, showing the personal and intimate side of their relationship that contrasts with his public persona.
Nicknames Within Curry’s Inner Circle
Curry also shared a humorous story regarding a nickname that emerged among his closest teammates. After joining a new team group chat, Curry introduced himself as “Stefan,” which led to an amusing response from teammate Draymond Green.
He’s like, ‘You did NOT just introduce yourself as your first name,’
Curry recalled with laughter. Draymond then adjusted it to “30,” referencing Curry’s jersey number, and the nickname stuck.
This nickname reflects both Curry’s identity on the court and his impact in basketball, highlighting his legendary scoring ability and leadership on the Golden State Warriors.
Stephen Curry’s Perspective on His NBA Career and Legacy
Beyond nicknames, Curry spoke candidly about his approach to the remainder of his NBA career during the same interview. He expressed that he is focusing on manageable segments rather than setting long-term plans, reassuring fans that retirement is not imminent.
I’m kind of just taking it in two-year chunks,
Curry said.
I’m not nowhere close to that [retirement].
—Stephen Curry
Despite this, he acknowledged that the physical and mental demands of the game, especially during the offseason training, are becoming more challenging.
Mostly the offseason for me are the hardest than the like in season experience because once you get into the 82 games like it’s repetition,
he explained.
Curry’s Views on NBA Player Salaries and Equity
In a revealing part of the conversation, Curry addressed the business side of basketball, particularly player compensation. He made the argument that despite the enormous contracts NBA players receive, they remain underpaid relative to the league’s overall revenue and structure due to current rules around equity participation.
I think, because the way the CBA is structured right now, we can’t participate in equity,
Curry said.
And that’s a big deal because, it is a partnership with ownership… Those numbers [player salaries] sound crazy, but what the league is doing… is, probably 10x that. So like, the idea that we can’t participate in equity while we’re playing is part of why I would say yes, we are underpaid.
—Stephen Curry
This statement adds to a broader conversation about labor relations in professional sports, coinciding with ongoing negotiations in the WNBA and discussions about athlete ownership and long-term financial security.
The Continuing Impact of Stephen Curry on Basketball and Beyond
Stephen Curry’s reflections provide insight not only into his personal identity but also into his role as a transformative figure in basketball. From the origin of his nickname to his serious views on player equity, Curry exemplifies a player who is deeply connected to both the community around him and the business that governs the sport.
As Curry continues his career with the Golden State Warriors, fans and analysts alike will be watching how he balances his legacy on the court while advocating for change off it. His unique perspective and leadership could influence the direction of the NBA and player empowerment well into the future.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Stephen Curry wear 4?
A. FIBA, which manages Olympic basketball, once limited player uniforms to numbers 4 through 15 for simplicity during games. FIBA removed this rule in 2014, but Team USA still follows it in international competitions like the Paris Olympics. This tradition is why Curry, who wore the No.