Sterling

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What does the baby name Sterling mean? Learn about what Sterling means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Sterling - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Sterling
S-T-E-R-L-I-N-G, is a 8-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Sterling
STUR ling
Meaning of Sterling
Of high quality or pure, valuable, starling, from stevelin, silver penny.
Origin of Sterling
The name 'Sterling' has its roots in the English language. It is derived from the Old English word 'sterling', which means 'little star' or 'genuine'. The earliest known use of the name can be traced back to the Middle Ages, where it was commonly used as a surname to denote someone of high quality or worth. Over time, it transitioned into a given name, and its popularity has been steadily increasing ever since.
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Popularity of Sterling
While the name 'Sterling' has been around for centuries, its popularity has experienced notable spikes in recent years. In the early 20th century, it was a relatively uncommon name, but it began to gain traction in the 1970s. Since then, it has steadily climbed the ranks of popular baby names. In 2020, it reached its highest point, ranking at number 317 for boys and number 494 for girls in the United States.
Sterling currently has 147 likes, and is in the top 3% of liked boy's names. The name Ricardo is slightly more popular than Sterling.

Etymology of Sterling

The etymology of the name 'Sterling' can be traced back to the Old Norman French word 'esterlin', which means 'little star'. This word was derived from the Old English word 'sterling', which had similar meanings. The name's association with stars and genuine quality gives it a celestial and noble connotation.

Cultural Significance of Sterling

While the name 'Sterling' does not have any specific cultural associations, it is often associated with qualities such as strength, integrity, and sophistication. These qualities make it a popular choice among parents who want to instill a sense of dignity and grace in their children. Additionally, the name 'Sterling' has been used in literature and popular culture, further adding to its cultural significance.