The name Stewart is of Scottish origin and means "guardian" or "caretaker". It is derived from the Old English word "steor", which means "steersman" or "pilot", and the suffix "-ward", meaning "keeper" or "guardian".
The Stewart family name originated in Scotland, where it was first recorded as a surname. The earliest known record of the Stewart surname is from the 13th century, when Alexander de Stewar appeared in Angus, Scotland.
The Stewart clan became one of the most powerful and influential families in Scottish history. They played a significant role in the political and cultural life of Scotland for centuries, and many members of the clan held prominent positions within the Scottish nobility.
Today, Stewart is still a popular name in Scotland and around the world. It has also been used as a given name since the Middle Ages. Some notable people named Stewart include the American actor Jimmy Stewart and the British singer Rod Stewart.
Overall, Stewart is an historic and distinguished name with a rich history that spans centuries and continents. Its meaning of "guardian" or "caretaker" makes it a fitting choice for those who value loyalty, protection, and guidance.
It appears that the name Stewart experienced a significant rise and fall in popularity over time. The peak period seems to be around World War I, with the highest number of births being recorded in 1917 at 266 births. However, there has been a substantial decline in recent years, with only 20 births recorded in 2023. This trend reflects broader patterns seen in many societies where certain names rise and fall in popularity over generations.