All about the name

Sterling

Female

« The name Sterling, of English origin, means "little star" and was initially used as a surname for those working at mints or assaying coins. Today, it's a popular boys' given name associated with purity, excellence, and strength. »

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Meaning, origin, history

The name Sterling is of English origin and has a rich history behind it. It is derived from the Old English word "stercling" which means "little star". The name was initially used as a surname, referring to someone who worked at a mint or was an official assayer of coins. Over time, the name Sterling evolved into a given name for boys and has since become quite popular. According to the Social Security Administration, it ranked among the top 1000 most popular names for boys in the United States between 2008 and 2017. The name Sterling is often associated with purity, excellence, and strength. This is likely due to its original meaning of "little star" and its connection to coins, which were once made of sterling silver. Today, people may choose the name Sterling for their child because they want them to grow up to be bright, shining stars in their own right. In literature, the name Sterling has been used by several notable authors. One example is John Sterling, a character in Charles Dickens' novel "David Copperfield". Additionally, the name was used as a stage name by American rapper and singer, Michael Raynor, who goes by the name Sterling K. Brown professionally. Overall, the name Sterling has a strong historical background and carries with it a sense of prestige and excellence. It is a popular choice for parents looking to give their child a unique yet meaningful name.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Sterling since 1880

Total births
3,284
Total since 1880
Peak year
2021
182 births
in 2023
179
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+75%
vs previous 5 years