Surname Chanler - Meaning and Origin
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Chanler: What does the surname Chanler mean?
The surname Chanler is of French origin and is derived from the occupation of "chandelier maker." The term "chandelier" in Old French refers to a candle maker or candlestick maker. Therefore, it is largely assumed that individuals who originally bore this name were engaged in the business of making and selling candles or candleholders. This is an example of an occupational surname, which were common during the Middle Ages, as they were often derived from the person's job or trade. These types of surnames have become less indicative of a person's actual occupation with time but remain as a part of family heritage. The Chanler family name is carried by several notable people in American history, particularly from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is essential to note, as with many surnames, spellings may vary based on region and changes over time.
Order DNA origin analysisChanler: Where does the name Chanler come from?
The surname Chanler traces its roots back to England and France. The name is derived from the Old French word "chandelier", which means candle manufacturer. During the middle ages, it was commonly used as an occupational surname for people who made and sold candles. The original French spelling of the surname was "Chandelier", but it eventually evolved into various forms including Chandler, Chanler, and other similar variations.
Like many surnames, it spread to different parts of the world as people from England and France began to migrate to other countries. Today, there isn't a specific country where the surname is highly concentrated, it is dispersed irregularly worldwide. Many individuals with the surname Chanler can be found in the United States, a nation that has seen significant immigration from both England and France. It is especially seen in people with ancestry from the northeastern part of the U.S, notably among descendants of the Chanler family, an influential family in New York in the 19th and 20th centuries. In spite of this, it remains a relatively uncommon surname.
Variations of the surname Chanler
The surname Chanler is relatively uncommon, and its exact origins are somewhat uncertain. It’s likely of French origin, deriving from the term "chandelier," which refers to a candle maker. Variations of the surname might include Chandler, Channler, Chanlor, Chandelor, and Chanleur.
The surname Chandler is the most common spelling and is of English origin, which also means candle seller. Spellings for Chandler might include Chandelier, Chandeler, Chandlar, and Chantler among others. In some cases, people may have anglicized Chanler to Chandler after immigrating to English-speaking countries. Meanwhile, the surname Chantler, a variant of Chandler, is more prevalent in the UK. The surname Chandelor is an English medieval occupational name for a retailer or maker of candles.
Conversely, in French-speaking regions, you might find variations like Chandelier or Chandelle. Despite these potential variations, it's important to remember in genealogy that the spelling of surnames was not standardized until the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During this period, it was common for surnames to be spelled phonetically or according to the personal preference of a record keeper, leading to significant variation between records.
Famous people with the name Chanler
- Winthrop Astor Chanler: He was a decorated veteran of the Spanish-American War and a prominent New York socialite.
- Robert Winthrop Chanler: An American artist and member of the Astor family, Chanler was known for his exotic paintings and unconventional lifestyle.
- Elizabeth Astor Winthrop Chanler: Known as Bessie Chanler, she was an American philanthropist and community activist.
- William Astor Chanler: He was an explorer, soldier, and U.S. representative from New York.
- John Armstrong Chaloner: Although his original last name was Chanler, he legally changed it to Chaloner. An American writer and activist, known as Archie Chanler, he was famous for his eccentricity and his legal battle over his sanity.
- Margaret Chanler Aldrich: Daughter of John Winthrop Chanler, she was known for her work as a civic worker during World War II.
- Julia Lynch Olin: Born as Julia Lynch Chanler, she was a notable supporter of the arts in the mid-20th century and founded the New York Guild of Composers.
- Theodore Ward Chanler: He was an American composer known mainly for his art songs.
- Lewis Stuyvesant Chanler: An American lawyer and politician, he served as Lieutenant Governor of New York from 1907 to 1908.