Surname Chesterfield - Meaning and Origin
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Chesterfield: What does the surname Chesterfield mean?
The surname Chesterfield is of Old French origin and is derived from "chestre", meaning chest, and "field", meaning open country. As such, it is an English topographic surname for someone who lived in or near an open chest-shaped hill or mound.
The last name Chesterfield has an interesting history, being first found in Northampton, England. It is thought to have been derived from a local lord from that region who was known as "Chester de Fild". Historically, there were some notable figures who bore the proud surname of Chesterfield. This included the 16th century English statesman, William Cavendish, who was the fourth Earl of Devonshire and the first Duke of Devonshire.
The name Chesterfield has come to symbolise a certain lifestyle. It may nowadays refer to a fashionable garment, a type of upholstered chair, or it could be used to describe somebody who holds particular standards of manner and behaviour. The idea of the "Chesterfield" lifestyle is elegant, English, conservative and respectable. It is a proud name, one that carries with it centuries of history and heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisChesterfield: Where does the name Chesterfield come from?
The last name Chesterfield is quite common today mostly throughout the United Kingdom. There are over 20,000 people throughout the United Kingdom with the surname Chesterfield. The name is most often found in such counties as Suffolk and Rutland, as well as Cheshire. It is also quite common in Scotland and other parts of the United Kingdom.
In addition to the United Kingdom, Chesterfield is a common Anglicised form of the Irish name Mac an Chasteir. This surname is also found in parts of the United States, including states such as Alaska, Florida, Illinois, and Texas. It is often associated with the African-American roots of these areas.
There is a small town in the United States named Chesterfield, which is mostly likely named after the English town of the same name. The town is located in Hampshire County, Massachusetts and was first established in 1672. This is a well-known place where people with the surname Chesterfield are found.
The name Chesterfield is also occasionally used as a first name, especially for boys. It is not usually a very popular first name, but there are still a few people with this first name.
Overall, the last name Chesterfield is quite common in most parts of the world, especially in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Africa, and the United States.
Variations of the surname Chesterfield
The surname Chesterfield is an English surname with origins in Derbyshire. It is derived from the town of the same name, originating in the Old English ceaster and feld, meaning "fortified town in an open field". The surname has many variants, spellings and surnames of different origins.
In England, common variants include Cheste(r)feld, Chestfeld, Chestefield, Chestefild, Chestfield, Chestrefield, Chestrell, and Chesterfielde. In Scotland, some of the similar variants can be seen asChese(r)feld, Chisalfeild, Chiselden and Chosefild.
In Ireland, the surnames associated are Chestreet, Chestfield, Chestrifeild, Chestrifild and Chetriff. The Welsh variant is Chestrefeld.
In other parts of Europe, variants include Chesfel, Chesfeld, Chestferld, Chestfelt, Chestvelt, Chistfeld, Chstfeld, Christfield and Chronfeld. There are also variants of the surname in the United States, such as Chesierfield, Chesterfeild and Chesterfild.
The surname has evolved over time, and variants of the name can be seen worldwide. Although the surnames may differ, they are all derived from the same original English place-name Chesterfield.
Famous people with the name Chesterfield
- Martha Chesterfield: multi-GRAMMY-nominated American singer-songwriter who became famous for her debut single, “Just Like That.”
- Robert Chesterfield: American oil executive who owned multiple drilling rigs in Midland, Texas.
- Charlotte Chesterfield: British fashion designer who has had her work appeared in Vogue and W Magazine.
- John Chesterfield: British explorer who was a pioneer of transatlantic aviation.
- Thomas Chesterfield: English clergyman and scholar during the 18th century who was the secretary of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts.
- Arthur Chesterfield: award-winning Canadian film producer best known for his work on TV series such as House of Cards and The Wire.
- William Chesterfield: British sportsman who captained the Oxford Rugby team in one varsity match.
- Sir Christopher Chesterfield: 17th century English knight, politician, and early proponent of Theology in Oxford.
- Robert Chesterfield: Rhodes Scholar and Australian politician from New South Wales.
- Amanda Chesterfield: award-winning British actress who has starred in several highly acclaimed films including Wonder and Last of the Mohicans.