Frequently Asked Questions

  
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Frequently Asked Questions or FAQs are documents found on the Web that answer common questions about an organization or topic. This document answers questions frequently asked by visitors to the Stewart Tents at Highland games
  1. What is the significance of the different spellings (Stewart, Stuart, Steward, etc.)?

    2. The original spelling of the name was derived from Gaelic words for the keeper of the household and certain included accounts (steward) and the royal hereditary position, High Stewart of Scotland, created by King David I. From its beginning as a name, it was spelled with a "t" instead of a "d" on the end. The Stuart spelling resulted from the movement of Scots back and forth to France. At the time there was no "w" in the French language so the Stuart spelling is a French version, brought back to Scotland from France. Other spellings have resulted from the names being changed because they were recorded as some one heard them or because the correct spelling was simply not known.

The following are the known variations of the surname "Stewart":  Sdiuord, Steuard, Steuarde, Steuart, Stevarde, Stevarte, Steward, Stewart, Stewerd, Stigeweard, Stiuard, Stiubhard, Stiubhart, Stiward, Stuard, Stuarde, Stuart, Stuarte, Stuerd, Stuward, Styward, Stywarde, Steart, Stueart and in Italy & Spain – Estuardo

  1. Which Tartan do I wear?


    2. The Stewarts are not just one clan. They consist of several major branches evolving from the descendents of various High Stewarts of Scotland.  

    There are several other older branches of the family. Some are Highland Clans and some are not. As a result, there are many Stewart Tartans.  (Sixty-nine are officially registered and several are unofficial, using the main patterns with different background colors.  "Camel Stewart" is an example.) Some tartans are general name-wide tartans that can be worn by anyone associated with the Stewarts. Others are specifically associated with a particular family or Clan (Stewart of Galloway, Stewart of Bute, Stewart of Appin, Stewart of Athol, etc.)  The Hunting Stewart, is considered the National Tartan of Scotland and may be worn by any Scotsman. Protocol would dictate that only the current Royal Family would be "entitled" to wear the Royal Stewart tartan.  If you have already invested in the Royal Stewart -- wear and enjoy your investment!

    There are also other clans with tartans which are Septs and as such a part of the Stewart clan family.  Boyd and Livingston are examples.