Surname Chauncery - Meaning and Origin
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Chauncery: What does the surname Chauncery mean?
The last name Chauncery is thought to derive from the Old French word "chancellor," which translates to "secretary." It is believed to have been a professional name given to a dignified person in charge of recording the King's laws and statutes. In medieval Europe, the role of chancellor could vary from that of a judge or an important political advisor to a bishop or an official in the Royal courts.
The name is thought to have been first used by a family that worked as secretaries or chamberlains to the King, with their primary duty being to record the laws. In some instances, they may have also acted as receivers of revenue, comptrollers of the household, or members of the Privy Council.
Throughout the Middle Ages and the Modern Era, the surname Chauncery remained associated with a variety of jobs, including administrators and counselors of the English monarchy. In the United States, it is still a relatively uncommon surname but may be found among immigrants who came from countries who still recognize the office of chancellor.
The last name Chauncery is a symbol of the honor and respect that the position of chancellor has enjoyed throughout the centuries. While the actual duties of the job have changed over time, the name invites to mind the individuals who kept the laws and worked to ensure that justice and order were maintained.
Order DNA origin analysisChauncery: Where does the name Chauncery come from?
The last name Chauncery is most commonly found today in the United States, especially in the South. It can be found especially in states such as Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi. According to records, Chauncery is of English origin, and the name can be traced back to the 12th century when it was brought to the states by colonists.
In the United States, the surname Chauncery can be found scattered throughout the states both in urban and rural areas. It is especially common in states like Virginia and North Carolina. In some areas of Virginia and North Carolina, the Chauncery family is still residing close together. Furthermore, the population of the Chauncery surname also is present in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Overall, records of the Chauncery surname date back to the 12th century and its presence is still felt today in the states throughout rural and urban areas in the United States and in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The family is one of the oldest immigrant surnames in the United States and its legacy is still present in many places.
Variations of the surname Chauncery
Chauncery is an uncommon English surname derived from the Old French word, ‘chancellier’, meaning ‘chancellor’. It is an occupational surname for someone who was employed as an administrative member of a court or a church. In order for a registrar to record a name, it was often spelled as it sounded, resulting in many iterations of the same surname. Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for ‘Chauncery’ include Chancelear, Chancelor, Chancery, Chancelier, Chancellor, Chauncellor, and Chauncelor.
The Chancelar or Chancellor spelling is likely the most popular today; those of Irish descent may also find their name listed as Chassar. The Chancelier spelling is the least popular today; however, it is derived from the French spelling, ‘Chancelier’. The Chauncellor spelling is popular in England, but can also be found in America today. The Chauncelor spelling is British in origin.
In the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, many people with the Chauncery surname emigrated from Europe, mainly England and Germany, to the United States. Today the Chauncery surname is most common in California, Texas, and Ohio.
Other spellings, variants and surnames of the same origin could include Chanceller, Chandeler, Chancallor, Chaunceller, Chauneller, and Cháaunceller.
Famous people with the name Chauncery
- Leon Chauncy: former cricketer for Australia.
- Tom Chauncey: author and editor.
- Richard Chauncey: United States diplomat.
- Robert Chauncey: aristocrat.
- Charles Chauncey: Journalist and author.
- Abraham Chauncey: American Revolution colonel.
- Jessica Chauncey: actress and playwright.
- Christopher Chauncey: sculptor and furniture-maker.
- Edward Chauncey: English poet.
- Brett Chauncey: Baseball player.