The name Stuart has its origins in the medieval era, tracing back to the Old English word 'stiward', which referred to an administrative position of responsibility over a household or estate. The name derives from the Old English words 'stig' meaning house or hall, and 'weard' meaning keeper or guardian.

In the 11th century, the Norman French form of the word, 'estuard' or 'estuart', emerged, and it eventually evolved into the modern spelling of 'Stuart'. The name became particularly prominent in Scotland, where it was adopted as the surname of the Royal House of Stuart, which ruled Scotland and later England from the late 14th to the early 18th century.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Stuart can be found in the 12th century, when Walter FitzAlan, a Scottish nobleman, took on the title 'Great Steward of Scotland'. His descendants became known as the Stewarts or Stuarts, and the name gained significant prominence in Scottish history.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Stuart. One of the most famous was Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-1587), who was a member of the House of Stuart and a central figure in the religious and political turmoil of 16th century Europe. Another prominent Stuart was James VI of Scotland (1566-1625), who also became King James I of England and oversaw the translation of the King James Bible.

In the 17th century, Charles I (1600-1649) and Charles II (1630-1685), both members of the Stuart dynasty, played pivotal roles in the English Civil War and the Restoration period. Charles I was eventually executed, while his son Charles II was restored to the throne after a period of exile.

Another historical figure with the name Stuart was James Francis Edward Stuart (1688-1766), also known as the Old Pretender, who claimed the thrones of England, Scotland, and Ireland as the son of the deposed King James II.

Beyond the British Isles, the name Stuart has been borne by notable individuals such as J.E.B. Stuart (1833-1864), a Confederate cavalry general during the American Civil War, and Stuart Symington (1901-1988), a United States Senator and the first Secretary of the Air Force.