Surname Starns - Meaning and Origin
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Starns: What does the surname Starns mean?
The last name Starns is of English origin and is possibly derived from the Old Norse personal name "Stjarna" which means "Star." It is considered a patronymic surname, formed by the addition of suffixes meaning "son of", indicating descent or lineage. Over time, the original spelling may have been anglicized to its current form. Like many surnames, Starns might also be topographical, denoting someone lived near a notable environmental feature, like a prominently visible star-shaped feature. Alternatively, it could be occupational, referring to an individual who worked as an astrologer or as an actor (someone who "stars" in shows or plays). However, surnames have multiple origins and the meaning and origins of Starns may differ based on geographical location and historical context. The family motto linked to this surname is "Sequar nec inferior" and translates to "I will follow, yet be no less." Historical record shows people with this surname have been predominantly located in the English counties of Norfolk, Cambridge, and Suffolk.
Order DNA origin analysisStarns: Where does the name Starns come from?
The last name Starns is most commonly found in the United States, with current estimates indicating there are approximately 3,500 individuals in the nation bearng the surname. Within the US, the states with the highest numbers of Starns are Tennessee (est. 1,000), Kentucky (est. 1,000), and Virginia (est. 700).
The Starns surname is believed to have originated from Scotland, where there is a place called Starnes that dates back to the late 13th century. Records from 1388 show that lands in Galloway were held by Henry Starnes. It is believed that Henry and others of the same family eventually made the move to America, carrying with them their family name and establishing its use in the US.
The Starns surname can also be found in parts of Canada, Australia, and parts of the British Isles. In Canada the surname is most frequently found in the provinces of Ontario and Nova Scotia.
Overall, the last name Starns is relatively common in the United States and can be found in much smaller numbers in several other countries across the globe. With its origins firmly planted in Scotland, the Starns family tree has grown roots around the world.
Variations of the surname Starns
The surname Starns has multiple variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin.
Common variants of the surname Starns include Starne, Stern, Stearns, Starin, Staron, Starons, and Starnal. As well as a few other less popular variants such as Staryne, Sterner, Sterns, Starinham, and Starnal. All of these variants and spellings are derived from the Middle English word 'steren' meaning 'arrow', which was used as a nickname for members of archer guilds. This nickname then developed into a surname.
Other surnames of similar origin to the Starns surname are Starke, Sterne, Sterner, Stearne, Staar, Staats, Staker and Staarmann. These surnames stem from the Middle High German 'starc' meaning 'strong'. This particular surname was originally given to those who were considered strong or courageous.
The Starns surname is a common surname in the United States, with the most populous state of residence being California. Census records from 1880 reported that Starns was the 1220th most common surname in the United States. Variants of the surname are less common, particularly outside of English-speaking countries.
No matter what variant or spelling of surname a person carries, all of them are ultimately linked back to the same Middle English and Middle High German roots. While the spelling, pronunciation and even the country of origin may have changed, the origin of the surname remains the same.
Famous people with the name Starns
- Paul Starns: Jazz Drummer
- Logan Starnes: Professional Lacrosse Player
- Paul Starns: Former Professional Golfer
- Dave Starns: Former Professional Football Player
- Robert Starns: Artist and Illustrator
- Steve Starns: Voice Actor
- Jethro Starns: Former Professional Football Player
- Bill Starns: Author and Macmillan Science Educator
- Joe Starns: American Air Force Pilot
- Harry Starns: US Army General