Stewart is a Scottish surname and given name derived from the Scottish Gaelic word "stèitheach," which means "steward." The name has a long history in Scotland, dating back to the Middle Ages when it was typically used as an occupational name for individuals who worked as stewards or managers of estates.
The name Stewart is believed to have originated with the family that founded the House of Stewart, one of the most powerful and influential families in Scottish history. The first recorded use of the surname Stewart is from the 12th century, when Walter fitzAlan was granted lands in Scotland by King David I. His descendants would go on to become the Earls of Lennox and eventually Kings of Scotland.
Over time, the name Stewart became associated with various branches of the royal family, including the House of Stuart, which ruled England and Scotland from 1603 until the death of Queen Anne in 1714. As a result, the name gained popularity as both a surname and given name throughout Britain and its colonies.
Today, Stewart is still a common name in Scotland and other parts of the British Isles. It has also gained popularity as a given name for boys around the world, thanks in part to famous bearers such as actor James Stewart and former American football player Sean Stewart. Despite its royal history, however, the name remains accessible and approachable, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a strong yet unpretentious name for their sons.
The name Stewart has been a relatively uncommon choice for newborns in the United States over the past century, with a total of 85 babies being given this name between 1920 and 1999.
Looking at the annual statistics, we can see that there were periods where the name was more popular than others. In the early part of the century, there were only 6 births recorded in 1920. However, the name experienced a brief surge in popularity during the mid-20th century, with 5 births occurring annually between 1942 and 1965.
Interestingly, the 1970s saw another increase in the number of babies named Stewart, with 6 births recorded in both 1972 and 1987. This was followed by a decade of fluctuating popularity, with 8 births in 1988, 7 births in 1990, and then a dip to 5 births each year from 1991 to 1996.
However, the name ended the century on a high note, with 7 births recorded in 1999. While Stewart may not be one of the most popular names in the United States, these statistics show that it has had periods of steady popularity over the years.