Stewart is a given name and surname of Scottish and English origin, functioning primarily as a variant of Stuart. Like Stuart, it originates from an occupational surname for a steward, derived from Old English stig 'house' and weard 'guard'. As a first name, Stewart gained popularity in 19th-century Scotland as a tribute to the Stuart royal dynasty, which ruled Scotland and later Britain from the 14th to 18th centuries, including notable monarchs such as James I of Scotland and Mary, Queen of Scots. The surname Stewart has a deep-rooted history. According to Wikipedia, 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, relocated to Scotland during the Anarchy and became the High Steward of Scotland, a position that evolved into the hereditary surname. The name spread particularly among the Scottish diaspora in countries such as the United States (especially the Deep South), Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. As a given name, Stewart is less common than Stuart but maintains a presence, especially in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Variant spellings include Stuart, Steward, and Steuart. The diminutive Stew is occasionally used as a short form. Meaning: 'house guard' or 'steward' Origin: Old English (via Scottish surname) Type: Given name (masculine) and surname Usage Regions: English-speaking world, notably Scotland and Scotland diaspora