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STARLING Family History

This interesting surname, of Anglo-Saxon origin, derives from the Olde English pre 7th Century "staerling", Middle English "starling" meaning starling, the bird. This is an example of that sizeable group of early European surnames that were gradually created from the habitual use of nicknames. The nicknames were given in the first instance with reference to a variety of characteristics, such as physical attributes or peculiarities, mental and moral characteristics, supposed resemblance to an animal and bird's appearance or disposition, habits of dress, or to occupation.