First raised by Dr Stayman of Leavenworth, Kansas, USA in the 1860s. The variety gained some commercial popularity in the USA, having been promoted by the famous Stark Brothers Nursery, primarily for its culinary value.
Although originating in Kansas, it is often associated with Virginia, where it is still quite widely grown in pick-your-own orchards. It is believed to be a seedling of Winesap and is often known as Stayman's Winesap.
Most authorities believe Stayman is a triploid variety, although there is no direct evidence of this. However several of its red-colored sports (e.g. Scarlet Staymared) are triploid.