Surname Chase - Meaning and Origin

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T. Chase

Chase: What does the surname Chase mean?

The surname Chase is of English origin and derived from Old French "chacier, chasser", meaning to hunt, to chase. It was primarily used as an occupational name for a huntsman, or a nickname for an exceptionally skilled hunter. The name may also refer to someone who lived near a hunting ground. Thus, the surname Chase represents the profession or the context related to hunting. Furthermore, the British nobility often used this surname for their residence or hunting grounds, contributing to its popularity. Over time, it spread across English-speaking countries and transformed into different variations. As a surname, it also encompasses a sense of pursuit or striving for something, reflecting qualities of determination and ambition.

Chase: Where does the name Chase come from?

The surname Chase is of French and English origin. It is derived from the Old French term "chase", which translates to "hunt". The name originally belonged to hunters or served as a nickname for an exceptionally swift individual. Over time, it became a surname.

The name is prevalent in English-speaking countries, particularly the United States. According to data, it has a strong presence in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine in the US. In England, it is common in Norfolk and Surrey. The name is also found in Australia, Canada, and other parts of the Commonwealth. Even though it's a prominent surname in these areas, its usage does not necessarily imply French ancestry, as many English families have adopted it over the centuries.

Notable individuals with the Chase surname include Salmon P. Chase, the US Treasury Secretary and Supreme Court Chief Justice, and famous Hollywood actor Chevy Chase. Today, it is also the name of a major U.S. banking institution, JPMorgan Chase. Despite its origins as a hunter's moniker, the surname Chase has assimilated into different professions and sectors of society.

Variations of the surname Chase

The surname Chase originates from England and has evolved into several different spellings throughout the years, which include Chace, Chaser, Chasen, Chasse, Chaces, Chacy, Chaceley, and Cheyse. Some of the variations have more than one origin, for instance, the surname Chace could have derived from 'cealc-hyrst', an old English term meaning "chalk wooded hill", or from "Capra", Latin for "goat". In the Welsh name Cheyse, the initial sound is represented by "seissyllt", meaning 'six hills', which might have influenced the spelling.

The surname Chase itself means "dweller at the hunting ground", derived from the French word "chaceur", meaning "hunter". This name was originally given to individuals who were professional hunters or people residing near a hunting ground.

In terms of names that have mixed with other surnames to create new variations, we have examples like Chaseley and Chasey, derivative of the name in tandem with location-specific references. Chaseley, for example, represents a combination of 'Chase' and 'ley', the latter being an old English term for 'wood' or 'clearing'.

Remember, surnames can often alter their spellings based on geographical location and language differences.

Famous people with the name Chase

• Chevy Chase: An acclaimed American actor, comedian, and writer best known for his work on Saturday Night Live and in the National Lampoon’s Vacation movies.
• Daveigh Chase: An American actress, voice actress, and singer known for her role as Samantha Darko in Donnie Darko, Lilo Pelekai in Lilo & Stitch, and metaseries Chihiro Ogino in Spirited Away.
• Chase Utley: He is a former professional American baseball player, best known for his tenure with the Philadelphia Phillies.
• Charley Chase: He was a popular American comedian and actor in the silent film era.
• Sarah Winchester Chase: An American actress known for her work in Hollywood from the late 1940s to the 1950s.
• Jayni Chase: An American environmental activist and the wife of Chevy Chase who is known for her environmental efforts.
• Chase Chrisley: An American reality television personality from Chrisley Knows Best.
• Ilka Chase: Was an American actress and novelist.
• Borden Chase: Was an American writer, one of the main contributors to what is called the Golden Age of the Western.
• Stuart Chase: Was an American economist, social theorist, and writer.
• Chase Williamson: Is an American actor, known for the movie "John Dies at the End" (2012).

Other surnames

ChasanChasanoglouChasenChaslesChasonChassanChasseurChassonChastainChastantChastenChastleChastnerChastonChastun