Surname Stewes - Meaning and Origin
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Stewes: What does the surname Stewes mean?
The last name Stewes is derived from the surname Stowe, which is of Anglo-Saxon origin, and is likely a topographical or locative name. Interestingly, it is not entirely clear where the original Stowe place-name comes from – some historians believe it to be derived from a corruption of the Old English words ‘stow’, meaning ‘place’ or ‘dwelling’, and ‘leah’, meaning ‘wood’ or ‘clearing’, while others believe it to be linked to an Old English personal name.
The name Stewes is derived from the surname Stowe and may have been used to distinguish between two people sharing the same name. It may have arisen as an occupational name, used to denote a person who managed the business of a mill or a farm. Alternatively, it could have derived from an Old English nickname, meaning a person of good complexion, slender frame, or fair hair.
Today, the last name Stewes is quite common in many parts of the world, and is especially prevalent in countries with an Anglo-Saxon heritage, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. It is still found in a variety of locations, with some people bearing the name tracing their roots back to Scotland, Ireland, Denmark, Germany, and Wales. Those bearing the name today may come from a variety of backgrounds, but are likely all related, as the name has been around for hundreds of years.
Order DNA origin analysisStewes: Where does the name Stewes come from?
The last name Stewes is commonly found today in Scotland and in the United States.
In Scotland, the Stewes lineage can be traced as far back as the 15th century, where records show they were a part of the Steward family, descending from the Earl of Lennox. Taking its roots from the Scottish Lowlands, the Stewes name has a strong presence across the region, specifically in Edinburgh and other surrounding areas.
In the United States, the Stewes name can be found primarily in the East Coast states of Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey, but there are also family lines found in Virginia and along the Mississippi River. The earliest records in the U.S. date back to the early 18th century when John Stewes of Philadelphia emigrated from Scotland.
The Stewes family is a somewhat small but tight-knit bunch. Reunions and gatherings are held in both Scotland and the U.S. to keep the family lines connected, and the Stewes Facebook group, “Descendants of John Stewes of Philadelphia,” continues to grow and remain active.
Through both their Scottish and American descendants, the Stewes family is continuing to keep their heritage and identity alive.
Variations of the surname Stewes
The surname Stewes has a variety of variants and spellings. It is typically derived from a Middle English nickname stemming from the Old English stiga, meaning 'stalk or stem of a plant'.
A common variant of the surname is the spelling Stews. This spelling is more popular in Europe and the United Kingdom. The French spelling of Stewes is usually written as Stuis. The German spelling of the surname is Stuhs.
Variations of the surname include Stubbs, Stubs, Stuewes, Staubs, Stuess, and Stebbs. Stews and Staubs could be related to the German word staub, meaning dust or dirt.
Surnames with similar origins to Stews include Styles, Stevens, Stiles, and Steves. Styles derives from the Old English stigol, meaning 'stalk or stem of a plant'. The name Stevens is a variant of Stephens, which in turn derived from the Greek Stephanos meaning 'crown or garland'. Stiles is derived from the Old English "stigel", meaning 'tile', while Steves is typically a shortened form of Stevens.
In addition, some individuals may use "Stewes" as a given name or surname. The given name is derived from the Old English word stigol, meaning 'stalk or stem of a plant'.
In summary, the surname Stewes can be written and spelled in many different forms and variations, depending on regional dialect and a person's family heritage. Variants and spellings of the surname include Stews, Stuis, Stuhs, Stubbs, Stubs, Stuewes, Staubs, Stuess, Stebbs, Styles, Stevens, Stiles, and Steves.
Famous people with the name Stewes
- Sir Tim Stewes: British Sitcom Writer (Brookside, Eastenders)
- Steve Stewes: American Actor (Tales From the Crypt)
- Vince Stewes: Canadian Olympic Swimming Medalist
- Mark Stewes: English Musician (The Vapors)
- Bruce Stewes: American Professional Snowboarder
- John Stewes: Australian Cricket Legend
- Simon Stewes: British Artist (Conceptual Photography, Collage Art)
- Caroline Stewes: British Model and Actress
- Tim Stewes: American Actor (The Outsiders)
- Anna Stewes: Canadian Olympic Diving Medalist