Surname Cheves - Meaning and Origin
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Cheves: What does the surname Cheves mean?
The surname Cheves is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic word "seamhas", which translates to "narrow pass". The name likely originated as a geographical surname given to individuals who lived in or near such areas. Like other surnames that originated from a job or location, it helped to identify where people came from during medieval times in Scotland. The spelling of the name has also been seen as Chevis, and Cheve, among others. Ancestral records suggest that the Cheves family held a family seat in the region of Lanarkshire, an area rich with history dating back to the Roman occupation in Britain. Notably, the surname Cheves may also be found in Spanish-speaking countries, where it may have different etymological origins and meanings. However, the specific interpretation of the name in this case is not clear. Notable people with this surname include Langdon Cheves, a lawyer, politician, and president of the Second Bank of the United States.
Order DNA origin analysisCheves: Where does the name Cheves come from?
The surname Cheves is of Scottish origin, deriving from the Old English words "ceaf" and "ceaves," which mean "chaff" or "grain husks." The name might have been a metonymic occupational name for a miller or someone who dealt with grain.
In the 13th century, the name was prevalent in Lanarkshire, a former county in the central Lowlands of Scotland. In modern times, the name isn't particularly widespread, but it can be found within Scottish diaspora communities worldwide. According to several census data, it is more commonly found in the United States, particularly in the states of South Carolina and Georgia. Despite its Scottish origins, it's not highly prevalent in present-day Scotland. There were several notable individuals with this surname who made their mark in history, often lending the name to different places and institutions, such as the Cheves housing scheme in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Scotland. However, its overall distribution remains relatively low.
Variations of the surname Cheves
The surname Cheves is believed to have roots in the French surname Chaves or the Spanish surname Chevez or Chavez. Other potential spellings of the same surname could include Chaves, Chevez, Chavez, Chevas, Chavas or Chavaz. Some variations might have been adapted or anglicized over time, turning into forms like Cheaves, Cheeve, Cheive, or Chive.
The surname could also potentially be related to the Portuguese surname Chaves, which has the same pronunciation. For those of the Jewish faith, this surname could be linked to the Jewish surname Shaves or Schaves.
Some families may have changed the spelling or pronunciation of their last name upon immigrating to new countries, leading to further variations. Therefore, it is also possible that the surname Cheves has even more adaptations not listed here. Ultimately, further research would be needed to determine the exact origin and all potential variants of the surname Cheves.
Famous people with the name Cheves
- Langdon Cheves: He was an American politician, lawyer, and businessman from South Carolina. He served as the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1814 to 1815.
- Langdon Cheves III: He was a legislator and wealthy rice planter from South Carolina.
- Langdon Cheves Jr.: An American lawyer from South Carolina, he was the son of Langdon Cheves.
- Mikki Taylor: Born Mikki Cheves, she is a renowned authority on beauty and style for women of color. She is the former Beauty & Cover Director at Essence magazine and currently the Editor-at-Large.
- James Robert Cheves: He was a U.S. Congressional Representative from North Carolina.
- John Cheves Haskell: He was an influential politician and lawyer from South Carolina. Although his last name is not Cheves, he is directly descended from Langdon Cheves and carries the Cheves familial lineage.
- Mary Singleton Cheves: She was a published author from South Carolina and the wife of Langdon Cheves. Her notable works include a biography of her husband.