Sterling
Genuine, valuable — a boy name of English origin
Popularity of Sterling in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Sterling
Sterling has two intertwined meanings in English. As a word describing precious metal, "sterling silver" refers to silver of guaranteed high quality, and the term has come to mean "excellent" or "of great value" more broadly. Some etymologists also trace the name to the Old English "stiere" (star) combined with a diminutive suffix, giving the sense of "little star." Sterling was traditionally a surname before becoming a first name, and it carries connotations of quality, integrity, and quiet distinction, appealing to parents who want a name that feels both classic and substantial.
Sterling Around the World
Sterling is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 1+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Sterling
Famous People Named Sterling
- Sterling K. Brown — American actor and Emmy Award winner
- Sterling Shepard — American professional football player
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Sibling Name Ideas for Sterling
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Sterling mean?
Sterling is a boy name of English origin meaning "Genuine, valuable." Sterling has two intertwined meanings in English. As a word describing precious metal, "sterling silver" refers to silver of guaranteed high quality, and the term has come to mean "excellent" or "of great value" more broadly.
How do you pronounce Sterling?
Sterling is pronounced STER-ling. Common variations include Stirling, Starling.
Is Sterling a boy name?
Yes, Sterling is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Ster, Sterl.
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