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Stirling
Pronounced STUR-ling /ˈstɜr.lɪŋ/High
Meaning: A spelling of Sterling / the Scottish town of Stirling — variously 'of high quality; genuine; little star' (from sterling silver) and a place-name; more often a boys' name; here for a girlLow
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Stirling is a spelling of Sterling / the Scottish town of Stirling — variously 'of high quality; genuine; little star' (from sterling silver) and a place-name; more often a boys' name; here for a girl (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, classic name (slug distinguished; said 'STUR-ling').
In the U.S. it appears as a surname/place-name, more common for boys. Rare for a girl, of-high-quality at the root, and crisp.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Stirling mean?
Stirling is variously 'of high quality; genuine' (from sterling silver) and the Scottish town. It is more often a boys' name; here for a girl. The routes are layered.
How do you pronounce Stirling?
It's said STUR-ling /ˈstɜr.lɪŋ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Stirling a boy or girl name?
Stirling is more often a boys' name; this page covers its use as a girl's name.
How popular is Stirling?
Stirling is a rare given name, and rarer still for girls.