Sterling - Name Meaning and Origin

The boy's name Sterling \s-terli-ng, st(er)-ling\ is pronounced STER-ling. It is of English origin, and its meaning is "genuine, of high quality". The word derives from an Old English term meaning "little star". Also variant of a name meaning "easterner" given to pre-medieval refiners of silver. Familiar as a given name in the 1950s-1960s due to actor Sterling Hayden. Race-car driver Stirling Moss; sports commentator Sterling Sharpe.

Sterling has 2 variant forms: Sterlyn and Stirling.

Baby names that sound like Sterling are Starling and Sutherland.

Sterling is a popular male first name and a very popular surname (source: 1990 U.S. Census). Displayed below is the baby name popularity trend for the boy's name Sterling. Click here to compare Sterling with related baby names.