From a Scottish surname which was derived from city of Stirling, which is itself of unknown meaning. The name can also be given in reference to the English word sterling meaning "excellent". In this case, the word derives from sterling silver, which was so named because of the emblem that some Norman coins bore, from Old English meaning "little star". Sterling is a locational name for people who come from a place called Stirling. The place name Stirling is believed to come from the Old English place name "Stevelin", which is believed to be the name of an obscure river.
