Sterling \s-terli-ng, st(er)-ling\ as a boy's name is pronounced STER-ling. It is of English origin, and the meaning of Sterling is "genuine, of high quality". The word derives from an Old English term meaning "little star". Also variant of a name meaning "easterner" given to pre-medieval refiners of silver. Familiar as a given name in the 1950s-1960s due to actor Sterling Hayden. Race-car driver Stirling Moss; sports commentator Sterling Sharpe.

Sterling has 2 variant forms: Sterlyn and Stirling.

Baby names that sound like Sterling are Starling and Sutherland.