How did Stanley cup start?

Answer 1

Originally inscribed the Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup, the trophy was donated in 1892 by then Governor General of Canada Lord Stanley of Preston, as an award for Canada's top-ranking amateur Ice Hockey club.

In 1915, the two professional ice hockey organizations, the National Hockey Association (NHA) and the Pacific Coast Hockey Association (PCHA), reached a gentlemen's agreement in which their respective champions would face each other for the Stanley Cup.

After a series of league mergers and folds, it became the de facto championship trophy of the NHL in 1926.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley_Cup

Answer 2

Lord Stanley, in 1893

Answer 3

Lord Stanley founded it.