Hi, My name is also spelled Sterne and I have found it spelled this way until around 1870s, but prior found it spelled Stern (even with the same person!!), Sterns and Starn. My family is from Adams County Ohio area but lived in Virginia in the late 1700s to early 1800s. If you would like more information or have a specific question you can also email me at: Deidre40@aol.com. Dee