Origin & Meaning of the Stirling Surname
What does the last name Stirling mean?
The surname Stirling carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 2,836 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Stirling ranks as the #11,158 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Stirling come from?
The Stirling surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European 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 Stirling name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Stirling trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Stirling |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #11,158 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,836 |
| Per 100K People | 0.96 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Stirling
According to the US Census, the Stirling surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,836 Americans with the Stirling last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.62% |
| Black | 2.05% |
| Hispanic | 2.22% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.56% |
| Native American | 0.39% |
| Two or More Races | 1.16% |
Popularity of Stirling Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Stirling surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Stirling surname increased by 145 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Stirling Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Stirling ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Stirling
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Stirling.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Stirling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stirling
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Stirling surname also look for: