Surname Chitwood - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling My Ancestry: The Origin and Historical Journey of the Chitwood Lineage
The iGENEA DNA test has unveiled the fascinating origin and history of my surname, Chitwood. From its Anglo-Saxon roots meaning 'Chicken Wood,' and the journey from Suffolk, England to the American colonies, I've gained insight into the lives of my ancestors and acknowledge their contributions to history.
U. Chitwood
read moreChitwood: What does the surname Chitwood mean?
The last name Chitwood is a habitational surname thought to have originated in parts of France, as there are still many small towns called Chitry in areas of France such as Burgundy, Normandy, and Poitou-Charentes. Most likely, the name originated from these towns originally and began to spread to other parts of Europe and beyond after the expansion of the French empire.
The etymology of Chitwood is somewhat unclear, though the first part of the name is likely derived from the French word chit, which can mean a shrub, or brushwood; the second part of the name is likely from the French word for wood or forest. Thus, the surname as a whole seems to mean ‘woodland of brushwood’.
Throughout its history, the Chitwood family has resided in many areas across the world. Their ancestors have been documented in the United States from as early as the 1600s, and more recently, various branches of the Chitwood family can be found in countries such as Canada, England, Wales, Scotland, and even various countries across Africa.
Today, the Chitwood family holds a multitude of different occupations all around the world. Some members of this clan are within the medical field, some are involved in the judicial sector, and some even work within the artistic fields. On the whole, the Chitwoods are an accomplished and renowned family who have made their mark in many parts of the world.
Order DNA origin analysisChitwood: Where does the name Chitwood come from?
The last name Chitwood is most common in the United States, with nearly 7,000 people having it today. It is derived from an old English word meaning "wood of the sweet." It is particularly common in the Southern and Midwestern states, such as Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana. It can also be found in parts of the Midwest such as Michigan, Illinois and Iowa.
Chitwood can be found in all regions of the United States in various spellings, such as Chitwood, Chitwoode, Chitwoods and Chitwoodey. It is also commonly found in other parts of the world due to the prevalence of international migration. It is particularly common in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
The Chitwood surname is believed to be of Anglo-Saxon origin. According to tradition, the surname was adopted by someone living in woods that smelled sweet. It is also believed that this could be a reference to a practice of using sweet-smelling wood in the mundane tasks of life, such as house building and other construction.
Whatever its origin, the Chitwood name is one of the most enduring in the United States. It remains a common surname today in many parts of the world, a testament to the lasting legacy of the Chitwoods.
Variations of the surname Chitwood
The surname Chitwood is derived from a topographical term meaning "clearing in a wood". Variants of the surname Chitwood include Chetwynd, Chidwell, Chitewood, Chetwynde, Chetewynde, Chitwoode, Chytwood, and Critwood. Regardless of the spelling, these surnames are all of the same origin.
The use of Chetwynd and Chidwell originated in England. Records of the name appear as far back as the 1500s, with Robert Chetwynd of Shropshire being listed in the National Biography of Great Britain.
In Scotland, records of the use of Chitewood, Chetwynde, and Chetewynde go back to the 1500s, with Malcolm Chetewynd recorded in Forfarshire in 1525.
The use of Chitwoode, Critwood, and Chytwood is more closely associated with Ireland than England or Scotland, although records of this spelling do exist in both England and Scotland. Notable bearers of the name include Major General Charles Critwood, a veteran of the Peninsular War who was knighted in 1809 for his service.
The use of the surname Chitwood was also common in other English-speaking countries, including Australia and the United States. In fact, many of the earliest immigrations by people with the Chitwood surname ended up in these places. For example, James Chitwood, who was born in Ireland in 1793, settled in Indiana in 1825. Likewise, Edward Chitwood, who was born in England in 1853, immigrated to Australia in 1876.
No matter which spelling of the surname is used, it is clear that the surname Chitwood is of British and Irish origin and all variants share this same origin.
Famous people with the name Chitwood
- Owen Chitwood: American racecar driver
- Erick Chitwood: Australian comedian
- Derek Chitwood: American journalist
- Wayne Chitwood: American music composer, arranger, producer
- Sonny Chitwood: American Major League Baseball player
- Bob Chitwood: American singer
- Brian Chitwood: American actor, producer and director
- Kenneth Chitwood: American author, astronomer, and physicist
- Clay Chitwood: American country music songwriter
- Philip Chitwood: American actor and television host