German and Jewish (Ashkenazic): from Middle High German
stern, German Stern ‘star’, a habitational name for
someone living at a house distinguished by the sign of a star, or a
Jewish ornamental name. This name is widespread throughout
central and eastern Europe. In Slovenia it is commonly spelled
Štern.
English: nickname for a severe person, from
Middle English stern(e) ‘strict’, ‘austere’.
Dictionary of American Family Names, Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-19-508137-4
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