Surname Sterman - Meaning and Origin
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Sterman: What does the surname Sterman mean?
The surname Sterman is most likely of German or English origin. In German, it can be an occupational name for a man who is a steer handler or a herder, derived from the Middle High German term "ster" meaning "steer", and "man" meaning "man". Also, it can be used to describe a man who is stern or strong-willed. Sometimes, it may also signify someone who fix or crafts the rudder of a ship, derived from the Old English word 'ster' meaning 'stern or rudder,' and 'mann,' which means 'man.'
Please note, the meanings of surnames can vary significantly based on geographic regions and historical periods. The interpretations provided are among the potential derivations but not necessarily the established origins.
Order DNA origin analysisSterman: Where does the name Sterman come from?
The last name Sterman is most commonly found today in the United States and Canada. It tends to be especially prevalent along the Eastern Seaboard and Great Lakes regions. In the U.S., it typically appears in states such as Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, and Ohio. In Canada, it is seen more frequently in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec.
Sterman has also spread to other countries, particularly those with strong immigrant or refugee ties to Europe. Areas such as Australia, France, and The Netherlands have seen an influx of people with the last name Sterman. Other countries where the name is seen include Germany, Israel, and South Africa.
Along with the traditional spelling of Sterman, alternate variations have emerged over time. Popular variants found today include Stierman, Stermon, Stermann, Sternman, and Stiermann.
Those with the last name often pride themselves on in its rich immigrant history, which dates back several generations. It is believed to trace its roots to either northern Germany or the Netherlands, and was first adopted in the 19th century.
Ultimately, the last name Sterman is among the most widespread surnames found around the world with many individuals tracing their ancestry back to a common source.
Variations of the surname Sterman
The surname Sterman is a common Jewish surname of Ashkenazi origin, and is an adaptation of the German surname Schtermann. Other contemporary variants and spellings include Shtern, Shterman, Stiner, Stern, Stearn, Sternau and Sterner.
In some cases, variants of the surname Sterman originated in different countries outside of Germany, and can be found in England, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Slovakia, and other areas of Central and Eastern Europe.
In England, the contemporary variants are Stern, Steen, and Syer, while in Russia, the variants are Shternberg and Shtern and in Belarus, the variants are Shternberg and Shterna. These variants have likely arisen due to the different phonetic tendencies in different countries’ languages, as well as different interpretations of spelling to accommodate language restrictions.
In Slovakia, the surname Sterman is known as Sterner, while in Ukraine, it is known as Stiyner or Stiner and can be found written as Стійнер or Стынер.
In some cases, it is possible that Sterman and similar surnames are derived from a first name, such as the Yiddish given name Shterna, or the Czech given name Ster.
Overall, no matter how the surname has been spelled, it is assuredly derived from the root surname Schtermann, and is related to its many variants, including Shtern, Stiner, Stern, Stearn, Sternau and Sterner.
Famous people with the name Sterman
- Jeff Sterman: American television actor known for his appearances in both commercial and non-commercial works.
- Arthur Sterman: American professor of psychology, specializing in psychoanalysis and personality disorders.
- Ben Sterman: American basketball player who has played for numerous professional teams, primarily in Europe.
- Kelly Sterman: American actress best known for her role as Abigail Mather in the TV show “Growing Pains”.
- Jamie Sterman: American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and composer.
- Esther Sterman: Israeli violinist and composer, specializing in classical and contemporary styles.
- Bob Sterman: American film producer and writer, best known for his work on “Crossing the Line” and “Home for the Holidays”.
- David Sterman: American journalist, commentator and author specializing in the financial and economic sector.
- Daniel Sterman: American businessman and philanthropist, best known for his involvement in the development of the Hudson Valley Region of New York.
- Joel Sterman: Canadian actor who has appeared in films and TV series including the award-winning “White Chicks”.