Surname Chaters - Meaning and Origin

Chaters: What does the surname Chaters mean?

The last name Chaters is derived from from an occupational name for a servant or official employed to keep records or accounts, derived from the Old French word 'chatelain' meaning 'castle-dweller'. It is believed to have originally been derived from the Latin word 'capitaneus', meaning 'captain or head of a household'. This suggests that the original bearer of the surname Chaters was someone who worked as a steward of some kind, or perhaps held a post in a royal court.

The Chaters surname was first recorded during the medieval period in England and Scotland, and later spread to countries such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Over the centuries, the name has been spelled in a variety of ways, including Chater, Chatres, Chathers, and Chates.

The presence of the Chater surname in Britain has been greatly influenced by the Norman Conquest. It is likely that Chater was introduced to Britain by the Normans and the French as they arrived, and the surname is especially common in counties in southwestern and western England, where many Normans settled after the Conquest.

Today, people with the Chater surname represent a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures. Despite the many variations in spelling, those with the Chater surname retain a shared and ancient heritage.

Chaters: Where does the name Chaters come from?

The last name Chaters is mostly found in the United Kingdom today, specifically within the regions of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, where it is most prominent. This surname is likely of Anglo-Saxon origin, and is believed to derive from the name 'Ceatrih', a personal name believed to have derived from a nickname for 'Strongman'.

Chaters is an extremely rare name today, but it can still be found in those two counties of England. It is estimated that 690 people in England and Wales are currently named Chaters. Out of the total population of the UK, that represents a proportion of 0.00000013 per cent.

Although the name is still used in the UK, its usage has declined over time. For example, in 1881, the number of records of the name Chaters registered was 200. Since then, that number has dropped by more than 65 per cent.

Outside of the UK, the surname is even less common. Therefore, if you happen to come across the last name, Chaters, chances are that the person is a descendant of Anglo-Saxon settlers and possibly originated from the two English counties of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.

Variations of the surname Chaters

The surname Chaters can have different spellings and variants. Common variations include Chaters, Cheaters,cheatrs, Chater, Chayter, and Chatzrs. Some other spelling variants of the surname Chaters include Chatar, charter, Chaytters, schatters, Scheders, and Shanthers.

The Chaters surname originated from the word ‘cheater’ which is derived from the Old French word 'cestier'. It was a term used to describe a dealer in cheese and dairy products, so it's possible that the original bearer was a farmer who dealt in milk or a merchant dealing in dairy produce.

Another variant of the name is Chapelle-Chateau and Chapple, both of which are derived from the Old French ‘chapel’ or ‘chapelle’, ultimately meaning ‘little castle’ or ‘cellar’. This could suggest that the family was of Noble lineage or owned a castle, or simply made a living by storing goods in cellars.

The surname Chaters can be found in several other countries, including South Africa, Ireland, the United States, Canada, and Australia. In South Africa, the surname is sometimes spelled Chatts, Chats, or Chates. In Ireland, it is sometimes spelled as Chadsers or Chaders. In the United States, it is most commonly spelled as Cheaters or Chaterz.

In summary, the surname Chaters has many different spellings and variants, ranging from Cheaters to Chaterz, Chadsers, Chatts, Chats, Chates and Chapple. Most of the variants are derived from the Old French words ‘cestier’ and ‘chapelle’. The original bearer could have had various occupations, such as a farmer, merchant or noble.

Famous people with the name Chaters

• Kate Chaters: Actress, known for roles in House Husbands and Paper Giants: The Birth of Cleo.
• Jessica Chaters: Actress known for her roles in Offspring, Wonderland, and Home and Away.
• Nigel Chaters: English actor known for roles in stage performances such as Look Back in Anger.
• Steve Chaters: American actor known for roles in movies and television shows such as Dragon Ball Z and Premonition.
• Rory Chaters: British actor known for roles in The Bodyguard and Downton Abbey.
• David Chaters: British actor, popularly known for his role in the BBC show The Bill.
• Florence Chaters: English actress, known for her roles in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Life on Mars.
• Barney Chaters: British actor, known for roles in The Grand Budapest Hotel and The Last Word.
• Debbie Chaters: Australian actress, known for roles in The Secret Life of Us and All Saints.
• Tom Chaters: English actor, known for playing Dan Ingram in the long-running Australian soap Neighbours.

Other surnames

Chater