How to say it
STER · ling
ˈstɜːr.lɪŋ
Masculine
Sterling
Of the finest quality
What it means
From the English silver penny called a 'sterling,' possibly 'little star,' the source of 'pound sterling' and a byword for purity.
Sterling comes from the medieval English silver penny, the 'sterling,' perhaps named for a small star once stamped on it. The word grew to mean genuine, top-quality worth, as in sterling silver and a sterling reputation. As a name it carries that polish and a faint celestial echo. Sterling K. Brown gives it a current face. Said STUR-ling.
How to spell Sterling
The standard spelling is Sterling. Common variants include Stirling, but Sterling is the most widely used form.
Popularity over time
peaked at #308 in 1895, currently #346 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–2025. Reviewed August 2026. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Spelling
Sterling is the usual given-name spelling; Stirling is the Scottish place and surname form.
- Worth knowing
Carries the 'sterling silver' sense of purity and high quality.
Who's worn it
- Sterling K. Brown American actor (This Is Us)
Spelling variants
- Stirling
Names with the same feeling
See Sterling from another angle
By style
Common questions
- What does the name Sterling mean?
- From the English silver penny called a 'sterling,' possibly 'little star,' the source of 'pound sterling' and a byword for purity.
- What does Sterling mean in English?
- In English, Sterling means "Of the finest quality." Sterling comes from the medieval English silver penny, the 'sterling,' perhaps named for a small star once stamped on it. The word grew to mean genuine, top-quality worth, as in sterling silver and a sterling reputation. As a name it carries that polish and a faint celestial echo. Sterling K. Brown gives it a current face. Said STUR-ling.
- How do you pronounce Sterling?
- Sterling is pronounced ˈstɜːr.lɪŋ. Say it as STER-ling, with the stress on the "ster" syllable.
- How do you spell Sterling?
- The standard spelling is Sterling. Common spelling variants include Stirling.
- Is Sterling a boy or girl name?
- Sterling is traditionally a masculine name.
- How popular is the name Sterling?
- Sterling ranked #346 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.