Stuart is a masculine given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic word "stùbhairt," which means "noise" or "commotion." The name Stuart was first borne by members of the royal House of Stewart, who ruled Scotland from 1371 to 1603 and again from 1660 to 1689. During this time, the Stuarts became one of the most prominent and influential families in Scottish history.
The name Stuart gained popularity throughout Europe during the reign of James VI of Scotland (who was also James I of England), who ascended to the English throne in 1603. As a result, many European noble families adopted the name for their sons in honor of the powerful Stuart dynasty.
Today, Stuart is still considered a traditional Scottish name but has been used worldwide as well. It is often associated with royalty and nobility due to its historical connections to the Stewart family, but it remains a classic choice for parents looking for a strong, dignified name for their son.
"Stuart's popularity as a baby name peaked around the late 1940s to early 1950s, with over 1,400 births per year during those decades. However, there has been a significant decline in recent years, with fewer than 100 babies named Stuart annually since the mid-2000s."