Starling

At a Glance

Meaning

Chattering, sociable person (nickname from the flocking starling bird)

Origin

English (surname, from a nickname)

Gender

Used for both boys and girls

Pronunciation

STAR-lingListen

Starling is an English surname-turned-first-name that began as a nickname for a chattering, sociable person, inspired by the flocking starling bird. It's often assumed to mean "star-like bird," but that isn't right: the bird's name comes from Old English stær plus -ling, a different root from steorra, the word for "star." It's pronounced STAR-ling.

Meaning & Origin of Starling

Meaning: Chattering, sociable person (nickname from the flocking starling bird).

Origin: English (surname, from a nickname).

A common claim: Means "star-like bird" Actually: 'Starling' and 'star' aren't etymologically related despite the resemblance — the bird-word comes from Old English stær plus -ling, a different root from steorra ('star'). As a name, it ties to a nickname for a sociable, chattering person.

Source: Wiktionary.

How to Pronounce Starling

Popularity of Starling

Starling peaked at #774 in 1908, when 13 babies were given the name. By 2024 it had slipped to #10730, with just 7 babies, so it's a rare choice you're unlikely to meet on the playground.

Names Like Starling

These names have followed a similar path to Starling in U.S. popularity over the years.

• Lima
• Theadore
• Olimpia
• Ivery
• Rozella
• Neville

FAQ

What does the name Starling mean?

Chattering, sociable person (nickname from the flocking starling bird). (Source: Wiktionary)

How do you pronounce Starling?

Starling is pronounced STAR-ling (IPA: /ˈstɑːrlɪŋ/).

Is Starling a popular name right now?

Starling peaked at #774 in 1908 and is ranked #10730 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1880–2024.)

Make Starling Name Art

Free printable nursery art for Starling, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.