boy name
Sterling
Gender
Boy
Popularity
#346 · U.S. boys (2025)
Popularity of Sterling in the US, 1880–2025
Sterling first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 2025, when 944 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 944.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Sterling popular?
Near its peak Sterling is more popular now than at almost any point on record, peaking in 2025.
| 2020s | 5,036 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 5,464 | |
| 2000s | 3,027 | |
| 1990s | 4,709 | |
| 1980s | 2,968 | |
| 1970s | 2,072 | |
| 1960s | 2,496 | |
| 1950s | 2,570 | |
| 1940s | 2,334 | |
| 1930s | 1,904 | |
| 1920s | 2,533 | |
| 1910s | 1,608 | |
| 1900s | 352 | |
| 1890s | 233 | |
| 1880s | 168 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
Is Sterling a boy or a girl name?
Sterling is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Sterling a popular name right now?
Sterling is more popular now than at almost any point on record, peaking in 2025.
How popular is the name Sterling?
In 2025, Sterling ranked #346 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Sterling most popular?
Sterling was most popular in 2025, when about 944 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.