MallowbyNames

Shterna

SHTEHR-nah · Of uncertain origin; possibly a Yiddish variant of the name Stella, meaning 'star', though this derivation is debated.

2025 rank (girls)
#9,457
Babies named in 2025
10
Peak popularity
2015
2025 frequency
1 in 160,727 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 1985

Rising since 1985, #9,457 for girls today.

Popularity of Shterna since 1980

Babies named Shterna per year in U.S. Social Security records.

51015198020002020Most births 2015Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1980s30
1990s62
2000s67
2010s94
2020s51

Meaning & origin

Shterna is a rare Yiddish name that has seen modest use in the United States since the 1980s. According to Social Security data, it was first recorded in 1980 and has been rising in popularity since 1985, though it remains uncommon. In 2025, the name ranked 9457th, with an incidence of 1 in 160727 births. Its peak popularity occurred in 2015, and the name has a consistent presence, particularly among families in New York, the top state for the name. The name's association with Jewish heritage and its melodic sound contribute to its enduring appeal within certain communities.

Shterna is a name primarily found among Ashkenazi Jewish communities, often considered a Yiddish variant of Stella, which is Latin for 'star'. However, some sources suggest it may derive from the Hebrew word 'shtarn' or be a feminine form of Shtern, a Yiddish name. The name has been used since at least the early 20th century, particularly in Eastern European Jewish communities.

Where Shterna is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Shtern, Shterni, Ster, Steri

Variants: Shteyrna, Sterena, Shterna

Sibling names for Shterna

Names that share Shterna's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

S is for Shterna, our favorite little girl.

S is for Shterna…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Shterna's letter becomes Shterna's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Shterna's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Shterna mean?
The meaning of Shterna is uncertain. It is commonly thought to be a Yiddish variant of Stella, meaning 'star', though this is debated.
How popular is the name Shterna?
Shterna is a rare name. In 2025, it ranked 9457th in the United States, with an estimated 1 in 160727 newborns given the name that year. Its peak usage was in 2015.
Is Shterna a boy's or girl's name?
Shterna is almost exclusively used for girls.