Stewart Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Stewart come from? What does the surname Stewart mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Stewart and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Stewart Origin: What does the last name Stewart mean?
Stewart is a Scottish and English surname with possible origins in the old English word "stigweard" or the Gaelic Sti√πbhart, both meaning steward or guardian. The surname has been used as a given name as well. The progenitor of the Stewart family was Alan fitz Flaad, a Breton knight who settled in England after the Norman Conquest. His son, Walter fitz Alan, became the High Steward of Scotland, leading to the establishment of the royal House of Stewart. The surname has large concentrations in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Jamaica, New Zealand, and Australia, among other regions with Scottish or Ulster Scots diaspora.
YourRoots data shows that the Stewart surname has historical roots in Scotland since the early 11th century, with a strong association with the United Kingdom. Over time, the surname gained frequency in France before spreading globally, becoming prominent in the United States by the 17th century. Today, the Stewart surname is most frequently found in the United States but also appears in various countries worldwide, reflecting its enduring global presence and rich heritage.
Stewart Last Name History: Where did the last name Stewart come from?
Origin of Stewart Surname: Where does the last name Stewart originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Stewart first appeared in records from Scotland (United Kingdom) around the early 11th century. This historical data reflects only the YourRoots database for the exact ‚Äö"Stewart" spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Stewart: What does the Stewart surname history look like in the early days?
The ‚Äö"Stewart" surname was closely associated with Scotland from the 11th through the 16th century, indicating its strong roots in the United Kingdom. As the centuries progressed, YourRoots data shows the name gaining frequency in France, before eventually becoming prominent in the United States, demonstrating a global spread over time.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Stewart surname today?
By the 17th century, the volume of records with the Stewart surname began to increase significantly in the United States. This trend continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. As of today, the ‚Äö"Stewart" surname is most frequently found in the United States, according to YourRoots data. However, it also appears in countries worldwide, reflecting its global spread over the centuries.
Explore Stewart last name heritage and Stewart surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Stewart Surame?
Kristen Stewart
Kristen Jaymes Stewart (April 9, 1990 - present) is an American actress known for her role as Bella Swan in The Twilight Saga film series (2008–2012), one of the highest-grossing franchises. She has received accolades such as a BAFTA Rising Star Award and a César Award for her performances in various films. Stewart has also ventured into directing with her short film Come Swim (2017) and received critical acclaim for her roles in independent productions like Camp X-Ray (2014) and Clouds of Sils Maria (2014). Recently, she portrayed Diana, Princess of Wales in the biographical drama Spencer (2021), earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
Rod Stewart
Sir Roderick David Stewart (born 10 Jan 1945) is a British singer and songwriter known for his raspy voice and hit songs like "Maggie May" and "You're in My Heart." With over 120 million records sold worldwide, Stewart has had 10 number-one albums and 31 top-ten singles in the UK, as well as 16 top-ten singles in the US. Inducted into multiple music halls of fame, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Stewart continues to be a prominent figure in the music industry. In 2016, he was knighted for his contributions to music and charity, solidifying his legacy as a music icon.
Patrick Stewart
Sir Patrick Stewart (July 13, 1940) is an English actor known for his iconic roles in Star Trek: The Next Generation as Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the X-Men film series as Professor Charles Xavier. With a career spanning over seven decades, he has won various awards, including two Olivier Awards and a Grammy. Stewart's talents extend to stage and screen, with notable performances in Shakespearean plays and popular films like Logan and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. His distinctive voice can also be heard in animated films like The Prince of Egypt and Chicken Little. Stewart's contributions to entertainment have solidified his status as a beloved and respected figure in the industry.
James Stewart
James Maitland Stewart (May 20, 1908 – July 2, 1997) was an iconic American actor known for his wholesome on-screen persona and distinctive drawl. With a career spanning over 80 films from 1935 to 1991, Stewart received critical acclaim for his roles in classics like "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington." Beyond acting, he served as a military aviator during World War II, rising to the rank of brigadier general in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. Stewart's legacy as a beloved actor and war hero continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
Jackie Stewart
Sir John Young "Jackie" Stewart (born Jun 11, 1939) is a British former racing driver known as "the Flying Scot." He won three Formula One World Drivers' Championship titles and held records for most wins and podium finishes. Stewart also competed in the Indianapolis 500 and Can-Am series. As a team principal, he led the Stewart Grand Prix F1 racing team. Beyond racing, he was a TV sports commentator and commercial spokesman. Stewart advocated for safety improvements in motor racing and was diagnosed with dyslexia later in life. He remains the last surviving Formula One World Champion from the 1960s and the oldest living Grand Prix winner.
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