Save Type Surname (from nickname) Usage English Pronounced Pron. /ˈstɜɹn/(American English) /ˈstɜːn/(British English) [key·simplify] Meaning & History From Old English styrne meaning "stern, severe". This was used as a nickname for someone who was stern, harsh, or severe in manner or character. Related Names Same SpellingStern 2 Categories English adjectives, English nouns, feelings, nautical, nicknames, word names