Surname Sterling - Meaning and Origin
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From Scottish Highlands to American Shores: Deciphering the Sterling Lineage through iGENEA DNA Test
The iGENEA DNA test results unraveled my ancestral lineage rooted in the surname, Sterling. Originated in Scotland, bearing Celtic roots, sterling was likely a geographical surname imbued with strong character and reputation. The genetic journey didn't end on Scottish shores but took an interesting turn towards America, adding a new layer to my historical family tapestry.
E. Sterling
read moreSterling: What does the surname Sterling mean?
The last name Sterling is of English origin and has multiple meanings. Initially, it was used as an Old Norman nickname for a person who was considered 'little star', derived from the Old French "esterling" meaning 'little star' - a diminutive of "esteile" from the Latin word "stella." Later, it became associated with the British currency due to the early Norman pennies being referred to as "sterlings", indicating a coin of high quality or standard. In a broader sense, the term 'sterling' implies something extremely valuable, pure, reliable, or of excellent standard, reflecting the high level of purity in sterling silver as used in British currency. Therefore, the surname Sterling could be seen as symbolizing someone reliable, valuable, or industrious. Like many surnames, over time it became a hereditary family name being passed down through generations. The name became particularly popular in Scotland and England, owed to several notable figures bearing the surname.
Order DNA origin analysisSterling: Where does the name Sterling come from?
The last name Sterling is most commonly found today in the United States. According to the United States Census Bureau, as of 2018, the last name Sterling was the 359 most common last name in the United States, representing 0.125% of the population. The states with the highest proportions of the last name Sterling are North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia.
The last name Sterling is also found in other parts of the world, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. In Canada, Sterling was the 783rd most common last name; in Australia, it was the 1556th; in New Zealand, it was the 1024th; and in the United Kingdom, it was the 1,957th.
The origin of the last name Sterling is unclear; some sources believe it is derived from the Latin word "sterlingus," which means strong. Other sources trace the name to the French word "espargne," meaning "coin free of all alloy," or it may have been derived from "starling."
While the true origin of the last name Sterling is unknown, it has been adopted around the world in many different countries. It is a popular name and shows no signs of slowing down.
Variations of the surname Sterling
The surname Sterling is of Scottish origin, and there are several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
Variants include: Starling, Stirland, Stirling, and Starlin. The spelling variations typically include Sterllynge, Sterlyng, Sterlynges, Sterlyngge, Starling, Stirland, and Stirling.
Surnames that are derived from the same origin include Steel, Stell, Stelling, Sterlingson, Sternal, Sternals, Sterner, and Sternes. These surname variations can be derived from the location Sterling, or as a descriptive name for a person that worked with steel or iron.
Other surnames associated with the same origin are Starly, Sterlang, Sterlan, Sterlen, Sterline, Sterly, and Sterlyn. They can be derived from the location Sterling, or a descriptive name based on a person's characteristics.
In Scotland, Sterling is sometimes used as a given name, derived from the noun sterling, which in Scotland means “excellent” or “true.” This name is also used in combination with other names, such as Stirling, or Starling.
Although many of these variations may be of the same origin, the spelling and pronunciation can be highly variable. This is due to the fluid changes in pronunciation and spelling of societies that spoke languages such as Gaelic, and this lack of consistency may be due to the simple fact that names by which people are known change from generation to generation.
Famous people with the name Sterling
- Sarah Sterling, Actress
- Bob Sterling, Actor
- Jim Sterling, YouTuber
- Charlie Sterling, Football Player
- Joe Sterling, Radio Personality
- Marv Sterling, Screenwriter
- John Sterling, Radio Announcer
- People Get Ready, Musician
- Vivianne Sterling, Actress
- Zoe Sterling, Actress
- Courtland Sterling, Swimmer
- Stuart Sterling, Philanthropist
- Carolyn Sterling, Singer
- Roy Sterling, Filmmaker
- Jack Sterling, Comedian
- Henry Sterling, Writer
- Eva Sterling, Politician
- Jennifer Sterling, Actress
- Steve Sterling, Businessman
- Lora Sterling, Painter