← Baby Names

✦ NAME PROFILE ✦

Sterling

/ STUR-ling /

unisex

Meaning

Little star; of high quality; pure

Origin

English

Sterling was originally an English surname, possibly derived from the Middle English 'sterre' (star) with the diminutive suffix '-ling'. It is famously associated with 'Sterling Silver' (meaning high purity) and the British Pound Sterling. It has a polished, upper-class image that has recently transitioned into a trendy, gender-neutral given name.

Personality Distribution

MBTI Profile

Approximate distribution among people named Sterling.

NT AnalystsNF DiplomatsSJ SentinelsSP Explorers
ESTJ
14.8%
ISTJ
13.2%
ENTJ
11.45%
INTJ
10.1%
ESTP
9.4%
ENTP
8.75%
ISTP
7.6%
ISFJ
6.8%
ESFJ
5.4%
ENFJ
4.1%
INFJ
3.2%
ENFP
2.5%
ISFP
1.4%
INTP
0.8%
INFP
0.4%
ESFP
0.1%

Cultural Context

Cultural Notes

Sterling is perceived as 'sophisticated' and 'valuable'. It has a crisp, professional sound. It is often associated with the character Sterling Archer or the sleekness of high-quality metal. While more common for boys, its 'star' root makes it a rising, elegant choice for girls.

Notable People

Famous Bearers

S

Sterling K. Brown

Award-winning American actor known for This Is Us (b. 1976)

S

Sterling Hayden

American actor and author known for The Killing (1916–1986)

S

Sterling Knight

American actor and singer known for Sonny with a Chance (b. 1989)