Surname Cheynes - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'C'
Cheynes: What does the surname Cheynes mean?
The last name Cheynes is of Scottish origin, and is an Anglicization of the Gaelic "ceannas," meaning a bragging or stratagem. It is also an ancient patronymic surname that was derived from the personal name Chael, which is thought to be derived from an old Celtic god.
The Bearers of Cheynes have a long and proud history in Scotland. They were among the first to settle the small island of Islay off the west coast of Scotland in the 1300s. The Cheynes were responsible for the building of two churches there, which still exist today. They were also prominent figures in the development of the islands whisky industry.
The name Cheynes is part of a legacy of craftsmanship and innovation that was unique to Scotland. In the last century, the Cheynes have moved to the United Kingdom and to the United States. They still carry on their proud traditions and are known for their hard work and dedication. They have made their mark in the world of finance, in the medical field, in politics and in business. The Cheynes are a testament to the lasting impact Scotland has had on the world.
Order DNA origin analysisCheynes: Where does the name Cheynes come from?
The last name Cheynes is most commonly found in the United Kingdom. Records show that this surname dates back to the 13th century and is derived from the old English word 'ceáns' which meant ‘lord of the manor’. According to Cameron Lewis & T.F. Gaffney's book ‘English Surnames’, the name is derived from an Old English family in Devon, England who were related to the Earls of Devon.
Today, Cheynes is one of the most commonly found surnames in England and has spread to Scotch-Irish and Dutch settlers in the United States as well. It is especially concentrated in the Midlands and South West England. The regions with the highest concentration of the name are Oxfordshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. In Scotland, it's found mainly in Fife and Aberdeen.
In 2014, the surname was recorded most commonly in the United Kingdom with a population of just under 3000. It's also found in Canada, Ireland, the United States and Australia but in much smaller numbers.
Overall, the surname Cheynes is believed to have originated in England and become popular in the United Kingdom. It has also spread to various other countries, but its highest concentration remains in the United Kingdom today.
Variations of the surname Cheynes
The Cheynes surname has several variants in its spelling variations, including Cheyne, Cheighne, Cheyne, Cheyns, Chayne, Chaen, Chains, Cheins, Chysne, Cheines and many other minor variants.
The name is derived from the Old French word “cheyne” which means little oak. The surname Cheynes is believed to be of Scottish origin and was bestowed upon people who lived close to or near a little oak tree.
The surname is most common in the Scottish lowlands, particularly Aberdeenshire and Angus where it is often spelled Cheynes. In some parts of northern England, particularly in Yorkshire, the surname is spelled with an 's' at the end, giving Cheynes.
Variant spellings of Cheynes include Cheany, Cheyny, Cheinnis, Chayne, Chaen, Choinnies, Chayns and Chaynse. These variant spellings can be found throughout England and Scotland.
It is thought that the Cheynes surname is also related to other surnames such as Cheney and Cheyne, however, they are all derived from the same source.
The origin of the Cheynes surname is still not exactly known, however, what we do know is that it is likely to have originated in the Scottish lowlands, and has been passed down through the generations.
Famous people with the name Cheynes
- Brice Cheynes: Actor, best known for his role as Chris Hudson in the 1985 TV series Tongue Tied.
- Angus Cheynes: Director, best known for the 2018 documentary film The Cheynes.
- Angus Cheynes III: Author, best known for his 2015 book The Mysteries of the Cheynes.
- Emma Cheynes: Writer, best-known for her 2011 book The Cheynes: A History.
- Peter Cheynes: Musician, best known as the frontman for the rock band Cheynes.
- Maurice Cheynes: Artist, known for the landscape paintings he completed in the 18th century.
- Bede Cheynes: Historian, best known for his work on 18th and 19th century England.
- William Cheynes: Scientist, remembered for his botanical research that helped establish the science of pteridology.
- Jon Cheynes: Chef, known for the experimental cuisine served at his restaurant in Edinburgh.
- Charles Cheynes: Poet, author of the popular 1819 poem “Cheynes of the Forest”.