Surname Sterry - Meaning and Origin

Sterry: What does the surname Sterry mean?

The surname Sterry is of English origin, specifically from the Middle Ages. The surname emerged as a geographical name for individuals who lived or worked on or near a property called Styr or Styrr. This term is derived from the Old Norse word “styr” which translates into “battle” or “combat.” Therefore, it is assumed that such properties were probably sites of some early battlefields. Alternatively, chartered records also suggest that Sterry might have developed from an occupational name for someone managing a cattle or pig farm since it also resembles “sty,” an Old English term for a pigpen. Surnames during this era often originated from a person's occupation. While the exact derivation and original meaning may vary slightly, it's commonly agreed that Sterry is an ancient surname with roots in early British history.

Sterry: Where does the name Sterry come from?

The last name Sterry is commonly found in England today, especially in the southwestern regions. The surname has been recorded since the 14th century in Gloucestershire and appears to have descended from the Old English word sterry. This was an old word for a steep bank or hill and was used as a topographic name for someone who lived on a steep bank or hill.

The surname is also commonly found in the United States. Numerous records have been found along the east coast states and it is believed to have arrived with the English settlers of colonial America.

Over the years the Spelling of the last name has evolved and is now commonly found spelt Starrey, Starry, Starree, Sterrey, Sterling, Stearry and Sterry.

Today there are numerous Sterry family members living in England, the United States and other countries around the globe - all connecting back to the original family branches.

Variations of the surname Sterry

The surname Sterry is a variant of Starry, an Old English or Anglo-Saxon name. Some of the known variants of this surname are:

• Starry

• Sterrye

• Sterrey

• Sterry

• Stary

• Storry

• Stirrey

• Stirry

• Sterrie

• Sterryng

• Starrie

• Startry

• Starryng

The spelling variations of this surname include: Stary, Sterry, Sterrey, Storry, Stirrey, Stirry, Sterrie, Sterryng, Starrie, Startry, Starryng, and Starry. Some of the surname's variants are found in other countries as well, such as the Starry surname of Ireland.

The surname is also found in other countries, including Germany, wherein the spelling Sterry is preceded with a "von". It is also found in France as Sterrier, and in Scotland as Sterrie or Sterry. All of these variants stem from the same origin.

The Starry family is also present in the United States, Canada, and Australia.

To sum up, the surname Sterry has many variants and spellings, all of which stem from the same Anglo-Saxon origin. These include Starry, Sterrye, Sterrey, Sterry, Stary, Storry, Stirrey, Stirry, Sterrie, Sterryng, Starrie, Startry, Starryng, Sterrier, Sterrie, and Sterry. Some of these variants are found in other countries as well, such as Starry in Ireland, Sterry with von in Germany, Sterrier in France, and Sterrie and Sterry in Scotland. Additionally, the Starry family is also present in the US, Canada, and Australia.

Famous people with the name Sterry

• Darren Sterry: Former professional football player in English Football League who played for a variety of teams such as Hull City, Walsall, and Kidderminster Harriers, as well as being a manager at Hereford United.
• Christine Sterry: Award-winning British television and radio comedy actress who was a cast member of the original BBC Radio 4 comedy series “The Real McCoy.”
• John Sterry: American World War II aviator who was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroic deeds during the war.
• Bill Sterry: English cricketer who played for Worcestershire from 1959 to 1970.
• Frank Sterry: British painter and sculptor who was influenced by the Post-Impressionist movement. He is best known for his use of geometric shapes and bright colors.
• Charlotte Sterry: English recipient of the Visionary Award from the Victoria and Albert Museum for her contribution to public art.
• Colin Sterry: British World War II pilot who was shot down twice in his career, and made an incredible escape from a Nazi prison camp in Poland.
• William Sterry: English barrister and Recorder of Southwark who was knighted in 1895.
• Samuel Sterry: 19th century bookseller from the United Kingdom who wrote The Antiquarian Book Collector, a popular book on the history and collecting of books.
• Radcliffe Sterry:masculine interior designer who revolutionized the American home in the 1950s. He is best known for the sanctuary he designed for President John F. Kennedy’s family.

Other surnames

SterrettSterreySterrickerSterrikerSterritt