Surname Chess - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'C'
Chess: What does the surname Chess mean?
The last name Chess is of Jewish (Ashkenazic) origin. It is derived from a Yiddish word "ches" or "chess," meaning pious or someone who practices religious and spiritual rituals. The name was typically assigned to people who were known to be devoutly religious or demonstrated piety in their lifestyle and actions.
It's important to note that many surnames are blanket terms assigned by record keepers to immigrants who may not have had a family name. So, although someone carries the Chess surname, it doesn't necessarily indicate that their ancestors were particularly pious.
Additionally, in an unrelated context, the meaning of the English word "chess" is a strategic board game played between two opponents. However, there is no evidence to suggest that the surname Chess is derived from this game. Furthermore, there is a well-known American record company named Chess Records, but the company was named after its founders, Leonard and Phil Chess, not the game.
Order DNA origin analysisChess: Where does the name Chess come from?
The last name Chess originates from England. It is believed to be derived from the Old English word "cies", meaning "choice" and used as a nickname for someone who was particularly selective or particularly loved. Another theory suggests that it could potentially be from the Old French game 'echecs' or what we know today as chess, indicating an early player or maker of the game.
The surname is not particularly common in any specific region today. Nevertheless, it is most often found in the United States, followed by England and Canada. Significant populations bearing the last name Chess can also be found in Australia. The first recorded spelling of the family name is believed to be one William Chess, which was dated 1273, in the "Hundred Rolls of Buckinghamshire."
Variations of the surname Chess
The surname Chess is of German and English origin, derived from the middle high German word "schach" which was interpreted as a player or maker of chess. It may also be an occupational name for a person who played or made chess sets, from Old French "eschecs" which means chess.
Alternative spellings and variations may include Chesser, Chessman, Chesham, Chessum, Chesson, and Cheeseman, illustrating slight changes in letters but relating to the same root. They may also include more distant variations like Check, Checker, Chessick, Chessell, and Cheshire. Other versions are resulting from immigration and translation errors, or just a change for personal choice or assimilation reasons.
In some cases, individuals with surnames like Cies, Ches, or Shesh might also trace their origins back to Chess. Note however that the origins of a surname can be multiple, so each of these names might not only originate from Chess but also from different sources. Mistaken translations or phonetic resemblances can also lead to very similar surnames bearing no relation to Chess.
Always bear in mind that naming conventions and derivations can greatly vary across cultures and languages. Therefore, proving connections between names usually requires comprehensive genealogical research.
Famous people with the name Chess
- Leonard Chess: Co-founder of Chess Records, an American record company known for blues, R&B, soul, gospel, early rock and roll, and jazz.
- Phil Chess: Co-founder of Chess Records along with his brother, Leonard. The duo had an enormous impact on the development of popular music.
- Christopher Chess: A British diplomat who served as the British ambassador to several countries. Christopher is also a member of the prominent Chess family.
- Sam Chess: An American Jazz trombonist who played with various big bands in the 1940s, including those of Woody Herman and Tommy Dorsey.
- Eugene Chess: A record executive and promoter who worked extensively in the music industry, including a period with his father and uncle's label, Chess Records.
- Marshall Chess: Son of Leonard Chess, he took over Chess Records in the late 1960s and has also served as a producer and manager for The Rolling Stones.
- Terry Chess: An American artist known for his paintings and photographs.
- Michael Chess: A British entrepreneur associated with the alcohol distribution industry.
- Muddy Waters: Though not a Chess by birth, prominent blues musician Muddy Waters is often associated with the Chess name due to the invaluable role Leonard and Phil Chess played in his career, as they produced some of his most famous songs whilst at Chess Records.