Starr

Starr is primarily a surname of English origin, though it is also used as a given name or stage name in some cases. The surname derives from the Old English steorra, meaning star, and may have originated as a nickname for a bright or notable person or as a habitational name tied to a place associated with stars. Over time, the spelling has varied, with Star and Starr appearing as closely related forms.

Notable bearers of the surname include Ringo Starr, the stage name of English musician Richard Starkey, best known as the drummer of the Beatles. Beyond him, Starr appears among public figures in entertainment, politics, and sports, reflecting its broad distribution in English-speaking countries.

Geographically, Starr is used in several place names and institutions in the United States. Starr County in southern Texas is one example where the name has been adopted for a political and administrative region. The name also appears in street names, schools, and other localities, again reflecting common practices of naming places after people or using familiar surnames.

In culture and commerce, Starr functions as a surname for fictional characters and as a brand or corporate name in various industries. The use of Starr across different domains highlights its enduring presence in language, identity, and place.

Overall, Starr is a historically English surname with a meaning linked to “star,” frequently encountered in public life, geography, and culture, and related to the broader term Star in its many senses.