STERN

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Stern

Stern is a British surname of German origin. The name derives from the German word stern, meaning "star". It is believed to have been adopted as a surname to signify a person who was considered "as bright as a star" or to honour an occupation or attribute associated with stars or the night sky.

The earliest known records of the surname date back to the medieval period in Germany and later spread to other parts of Europe, including the United Kingdom. The surname Stern is relatively uncommon in Britain compared to some other European countries.

Individuals bearing the surname Stern have made notable contributions in various fields such as science, academia, business, and the arts. The name may be encountered in historical documents, genealogical records, and contemporary society, where it continues to be passed down through generations.

As with many surnames, the meaning and significance of the name Stern may vary among different families and regions. Researching one's own family history and genealogy can provide further insights into the origins and personal stories associated with the surname Stern.

There are approximately 2,024 people named Stern in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,174th most common surname in Britain. Around 31 in a million people in Britain are named Stern.

Religion of origin: Jewish

Language of origin: Hebrew

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

Benjamin
Daniel
David
John
Jonathan
Mark
Michael
Paul
Peter
Richard
Simon

Female

Angela
Barbara
Caroline
Deborah
Elizabeth
Esther
Helen
Lisa
Penelope
Rachel
Samantha
Sarah
Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.