Find out how popular the first name Sterling has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Sterling by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Sterling is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 87% of people named Sterling being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 789 male babies and 179 female babies born with the name Sterling.

The history of the first name Sterling

The name Sterling is an English given name with its origins rooted in the Middle English word "sterlynge," which referred to a small English coin made from sterling silver. This connection to currency and precious metal suggests the name may have been associated with wealth, value, and prestige in its early usage.

The name's etymology can be traced back to the Old English word "steorling," which was derived from the Old English "steor" meaning "steer" or "bullock." This ties the name to cattle, livestock, and potentially agriculture or pastoral lifestyles in its most ancient roots.

While the name Sterling does not appear to have any direct references in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it gained popularity during the Middle Ages in England as a given name for boys. One of the earliest recorded examples of the name is Sterling de Arderna, a 13th-century English philosopher and alchemist, who lived from around 1205 to 1283.

Another notable early bearer of the name was Sir Sterling Bunnell, an English knight who fought in the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 during the Hundred Years' War. Records show he was born around 1390 and died in 1446.

During the Renaissance period, Sterling Sill was an English playwright and poet who lived from 1521 to 1587. His works included comedies and tragedies performed on the Elizabethan stage.

In the 17th century, Sterling Moss was an English mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions to the study of celestial mechanics. He was born in 1642 and died in 1711.

More recently, in the 20th century, Sterling Hayden was an American actor and author who appeared in numerous films and television shows. He was born in 1916 and passed away in 1986. His most notable roles included roles in classics like "The Asphalt Jungle" and "Dr. Strangelove."

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Sterling was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Sterling, please contact us.

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