The village was first mentioned in the 13th century Steninge, and means settlement of the people of Stena (person).

[4] Stiens is a terp (artificial living mound) village with a radial structure which developed before our era along the Middelzee.

The western part of the main terp was later lost in floods.

[6] In 1933, a monument was erected for Pieter Jelles Troelstra, however it is not for his achievements as a politician, but as a poet.

In 1944, the southern part of the municipality including Huizum was annexed by Leeuwarden, and Stiens became the new capital of Leeuwarderadeel.