STEARNS
Stearns
History
Stearns is an English surname of medieval origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name "Styr", meaning large or strong, combined with the suffix "-n", denoting "son of", and later the "-s" added for pluralisation. The name is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages as a patronymic surname, passed down from father to son.
Distribution and Frequency
The surname Stearns is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in regions with Anglo-Saxon and Viking heritage. It is also prevalent in countries with historical ties to Britain, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Notable Bearers
Prominent individuals bearing the surname Stearns include:
- Charles Stearns (1788-1877): American politician and lawyer.
- Giles Stearns (1920–2004): Renowned British botanist and author.
- Laurie Stearns (born 1965): British actress known for her work in theatre and film.
Coat of Arms
The Stearns family does not have an official coat of arms, as the use of coats of arms was historically restricted to specific individuals and their descendants. However, some branches of the family may have developed unofficial heraldic symbols over time.
Variants and Derivatives
Variants of the Stearns surname include Stern, Sterne, Sterns, and Starns. These variations may have emerged through regional dialectical differences or phonetic adaptations over the centuries.
There are approximately 210 people named Stearns in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around three in a million people in Britain are named Stearns.
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Adam
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Kevin
- Michael
- Nicholas
- Paul
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Annette
- Elizabeth
- Gillian
- Janet
- Kathleen
- Krista
- Linda
- Lisa
- Mary
- Rachael
- Stella
- Winifred
- Yvonne
Similar and related surnames
- Stern
- Sterne
- Starnes
- Starn
- Starner
- Starne
- Stearn
- Starms
- Starns
- Staun
- Stear
- Steares
- Stearne
- Stearnes
- Stears
- Steirn
- Sterens
- Sterna
- Sternes
- Sterno
- Sterns
- Sternson
- Stirens
- Stirn
- Storn
- Storne
- Storns
- Sturn
- Sturne
- Sturns
- Stares
- Starmes
- Starrs
- Stars
- Steare
- Sternad
- Sternak
- Sternal
- Sternby
- Sterner
- Sternik
- Sternin
- Stirna
- Storeng
- Strans
- Streans
- Sturny
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.