Stirling
Stirling: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈstɪɾ.lɪŋ/ · /ˈstɜː.lɪŋ/
Meaning and origin of Stirling
Root meaning: “stream”
- A male given name transferred from the surname.
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle Scots Stirveling, from Early Scots Strivelin, Strivelyn, likely from Old Irish sreb, srib (“stream”) + linn (“pool, lake”). Cognate with Old French Estrivelin, Middle Welsh Ystriflin.
How popular is Stirling?
Since 1880, 78 girls and 851 boys in the U.S. have been named Stirling (8% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #8747 in 1996. Its highest rank for boys was #1935 in 1942. In 2025, 23 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
More Surname boy names
Sibling name ideas for Stirling
Sister and brother names that share Stirling's Surname roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Stirling FAQ
What does the name Stirling mean?
Stirling traces back to a root meaning "stream". A male given name transferred from the surname. Borrowed from Middle Scots Stirveling, from Early Scots Strivelin, Strivelyn, likely from Old Irish sreb, srib (“stream”) + linn (“pool, lake”). Cognate with Old French Estrivelin, Middle Welsh Ystriflin.
What is the origin of the name Stirling?
Stirling is listed as a name of Surname (transferred from a surname) origin.
How popular is the name Stirling?
Since 1880, 78 girls and 851 boys in the U.S. have been named Stirling (8% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #8747 in 1996. Its highest rank for boys was #1935 in 1942. In 2025, 23 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Stirling a boy or girl name?
Stirling is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 78 girls and 851 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.