Stirling Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Stirling has Scottish origins, meaning 'river place', derived from the Old English term 'styrling'. It has evolved through history from Old English to Modern English. The name is linked to the significant town of Stirling, known for its historical relevance in Scotland. It carries traits of strength and heritage, with no biblical connections. The name became popular in the late medieval era and is associated with notable figures and Scottish identity.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Stirling"
Pronunciation
/ˈstɜːr.lɪŋ/
Origin
Scottish
Etymology
The name Stirling is derived from the Scottish town of Stirling, which is believed to have originated from the Old English term 'styrling', meaning 'the place of the river', possibly referring to its location near the River Forth.
Meaning
river place
Language Evolution
Old English: styrling, Middle English: Stirling, Modern English: Stirling
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the late medieval period due to the significance of the town of Stirling in Scottish history, particularly during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
Variants & Derivatives
Stirlingshire, Stirling Castle
Modern Popularity & Image
Stirling is often associated with Scottish heritage and history, evoking images of castles and the scenic landscapes of Scotland.
Famous People
Stirling Moss (Formula One racing driver), James Stirling (Scottish architect), Sir William Stirling-Maxwell (British politician and historian)
📊 Stirling Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Stirling Name Visualizations
✨ Stirling Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 27 peak births in 2017
Geographic Spread
Popular across 1 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Stirling"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Stirling"
"Stirling" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3762nd of 7545 | 74 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 3745th of 6773 | 69 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3679th of 7552 | 89 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 4802nd of 10718 | 73 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 5665th of 16616 | 117 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 6096th of 24088 | 194 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 5257th of 23106 | 212 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 23525th of 27321 | 10 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 21917th of 35406 | 31 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 17606th of 30306 | 37 |
Regional Popularity of "Stirling" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
60.06% 3794th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - |
71.13% 4464th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Stirling" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Stirling"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Stirling" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Stirling" in the United States
The name Stirling is most popular in California, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Stirling has been stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Stirling' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3762nd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3745th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3679th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4802nd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 5665th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 6096th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 5257th out of 23106 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 23525th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 21917th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 17606th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Stirling' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.