The name Steele is an English given name derived from the Old English word "stēle," which means "made of steel." It is believed to have originated as an occupational surname for someone who worked with steel, such as a blacksmith or armourer.

The earliest recorded use of the name Steele dates back to the late 12th century, when it appeared in the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire in 1195 as "Ricardus le Stelere." This entry suggests that the name was already in use as a surname at that time.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the given name Steele was Sir Steele de Buckingham, a 13th-century English knight who fought in the Barons' War against King Henry III. Another notable historical figure was Steele Sidesaddle (1430-1492), a Scottish courtier and diplomat who served as an ambassador to France during the reigns of James II and James III.

In the 16th century, the name gained prominence with Sir Richard Steele (1672-1729), an Irish writer, playwright, and politician who co-founded the influential periodical The Spectator with Joseph Addison. Steele was also a member of the British Parliament and a prominent figure in the Whig Party.

During the American Revolutionary War, John Steele (1758-1827) was a notable figure who served as a captain in the Continental Army and later became the first Governor of Mississippi Territory.

In the 19th century, Sir Thomas Steele (1788-1853) was a British soldier and colonial administrator who served as the Governor of the Falkland Islands and later became the Lieutenant Governor of Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania).

Other notable individuals with the given name Steele include Steele Rudd (1858-1935), an Australian author and playwright best known for his humorous depictions of Australian rural life, and Steele Savage (1880-1955), an American actor and filmmaker who appeared in over 200 silent films.