'sterling' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'steorling,' where 'steor' meant 'star' and '-ling' was a diminutive suffix.

'steorling' transformed into the Middle English word 'sterling,' and eventually became the modern English word 'sterling.'

Initially, it referred to a silver penny with a star, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of British currency and a term for excellence.