Surname Chein - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'C'
Chein: What does the surname Chein mean?
The last name Chein is of Jewish origin and is derived from the Hebrew word meaning "graceful" or "kind." This surname is most commonly found in Central Europe and Eastern Europe, with many of the original Chein immigrants coming from Russia and Poland. The earliest known recorded uses of the name may be traced to the early 17th century and the settlement of the Jewish diaspora in these areas.
Variations on the name have since developed throughout the years, including variants in other languages, including the French chin, the Spanish Chein, and the German Chein.
The modern-day Chein can trace their roots back to a shared spiritual pursuit of the founding family—the common longing for a safe place to live and practice Judaism in peace. This commitment was demonstrated through the Chein family’s deep involvement in their local Jewish community, providing support and leadership. They also served as prominent merchants and artisans, and many achieved financial success over generations, despite the many struggles they endured.
The Chein family has a long history, and many members of the Chein family are now scattered around the world. Today, the name Chein stands for a strong, resilient and tradition-minded people who have continued to be trailblazers in whatever they explore.
Order DNA origin analysisChein: Where does the name Chein come from?
The last name Chein is most commonly found in parts of Asia today, particularly in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Japan, and Singapore. It is sometimes spelled Chin, Chen, or Chien.
The surname is believed to have originated in the Xia Dynasty in ancient China, around 2100 to 1600 BC. The name is found in a number of different clans including the Fuxi, Ji, Fu, and Zhang. It is commonly seen associated with the more numerous surname Zhang.
The Chein surname is anecdotally believed to have been popular among high-ranking officials in Chinese imperial history. It also shares some cultural roots with the Wang surname, one of the most common Chinese surnames; the etymology of the two names is strongly related, and ancestors of the Chein family are thought to have joined the Wang's to form an integrated family.
In modern times, Chein is a relatively uncommon surname. Those who bear the name are generally concentrated in the above-mentioned countries; however, there are diaspora Cheins from China, Taiwan, and elsewhere who have relocated to other parts of the world, particularly the United States and Canada.
Variations of the surname Chein
The surname Chein is of French origin and is derived from the old French word 'chen', meaning 'sheep'. The original spelling of the surname is likely to have been 'Cheyn' or 'Cheinne'. The surname may appear in English language records as 'Cheen' or 'Cheyne'.
Variations on the spelling of the surname Chein include Cheinne, Cheyn, Cheen, Cheyne, Chen, Chain, Chayne, Chane, Chaine, Chayne, Chein, Cheon, Chien and Chenne.
Surnames which share the same origin as Chein or have secondary variations of Chein include Cheinneville, Cheyn, Cheyne, Chen, Chain, Chayne, Chaines, Chane, Chain, Cheyns, Chaine, Chaneau, Chayneau, Chaigne, Chaigny, Chagon, Chaino, Chainean, Chaines, Chinette, Chennette, Chenot, Chenu, Chenuau, Chinn and Chinq.
It can be seen that initial 'C' in the surname Chein has been replaced with other letters - such as 'Ch' - over time. This change is likely to have occurred as the surname passed from French to English language. Other spelling variations and surnames with the same origin are likely to have been created as a result of the migrations of people bearing the surname Chein over the centuries.
Famous people with the name Chein
- Xinya Chein: Xinya is a Malaysian-born artist and performer based in London. She is known for her bold stage performances and large scale murals, which have been widely acclaimed.
- Jimmy Chein: Jimmy Chein is a Taipei resident most known for his expertise in branding and marketing. He has consulted many companies and also works as a professional photographer and travel blogger.
- Rai Chein: Rai Chein is a Hong Kong-based entrepreneur and investor. He is a successful venture capitalist and startup mentor, and is widely known for his philanthropic endeavors.
- Vincent Chein: Vincent Chein is a Los Angeles-based artist who is best known for his vivid paintings and street art. He has produced numerous public artworks across the US and is a strong advocate for local art initiatives.
- Don Chein: Don Chein is a San Francisco-based film director and producer. He is an Academy Award nominee for his work on the acclaimed film, Laika, and also works in television commercials and short films.
- Stephanie Chein: Stephanie Chein is a Canadian-born artist and designer based in Brooklyn. She is widely known for her bespoke jewelry and modern textile designs.
- Akeem Chein: Akeem Chein is an internationally acclaimed actor from Jamaica. He is best known for his roles in popular films such as Bend It Like Beckham, Cradle 2 The Grave, and The Best Man.
- Terry Chein: Terry Chein is an Atlanta-based fashion designer who specializes in custom couture. He has guest judged several popular fashion competitions, and his work has been featured in magazines such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.