Sternberg — Last Name Origin & Meaning

German origin Rank #8,405 in the US 3,935 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#8,405
▼ Down 485 since 2000
People in the US
3,935
1.33 per 100K people
Origin
German
German

Origin & Meaning of the Sternberg Surname

What does the last name Sternberg mean?

The surname Sternberg carries the meaning "Mountain or hill." It is derived from the German language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 3,935 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Sternberg ranks as the #8,405 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Sternberg come from?

The Sternberg surname has its roots in German heritage. Names of German origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Sternberg name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Sternberg trace back to German. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.

German German

Quick Facts

Surname Sternberg
Meaning Mountain or hill
Origin German
Language German
US Rank (2010) #8,405
US Count (2010) 3,935
Per 100K People 1.33
First Letter S

Ethnic Distribution of Sternberg

According to the US Census, the Sternberg surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,935 Americans with the Sternberg last name.

White 95.63%
Black 0.15%
Hispanic 2.34%
Asian/PI 0.79%
Native American 0.2%
Two+ Races 0.89%
Ethnic distribution of the Sternberg surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White95.63%
Black0.15%
Hispanic2.34%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.79%
Native American0.2%
Two or More Races0.89%

Popularity of Sternberg Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Sternberg surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#7,920
3,875 people
Down 485
Census 2010
#8,405
3,935 people

The number of Americans with the Sternberg surname increased by 60 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Sternberg Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Sternberg ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Sternberg

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Sternberg.

Other German Surnames

Explore more surnames with German roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same German origin as Sternberg.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sternberg

The surname Sternberg is of German origin. Mountain or hill
The surname Sternberg is ranked #8,405 in the United States with approximately 3,935 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Mountain or hill. The name has German roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Sternberg surname is distributed as: 95.6% White. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Sternberg ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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