Stuart

Stuart is both a surname and a given name. It is commonly treated as a variant of Stewart or Steuart, derived from the office of steward, a person who manages an estate. The form Stuart became especially common in Scotland and spread to other English-speaking regions over time, with variant spellings including Stewart and Steuart.

In royal history, the House of Stuart refers to the Scottish royal house that produced several monarchs who ruled Scotland and, after 1603, the kingdoms of England and Scotland together. The dynasty’s rise began with Robert II in the late 14th century; James VI of Scotland became James I of England in 1603, uniting the crowns. The Stuarts ruled until Queen Anne’s death in 1714, after which the throne passed to the House of Hanover; Jacobite supporters continued to press for the restoration of the Stuart line.

Beyond royalty, Stuart is used as a given name and surname. Notable historical figures include Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots; James VI/I; Charles I and Charles II; Mary II; and Anne. The Jacobite pretender Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) is a prominent association connected with the name. In culture, Stuart Little is a fictional mouse in E. B. White’s children’s book.

Geographically, several towns and communities in English-speaking countries bear the name Stuart, reflecting its broad usage as a place-name. The name remains common in many contexts as both a surname and a given name.