Chase

Chase is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old French word "chacier" or "chace", meaning "to hunt". The surname may have initially been a nickname for someone who hunted as a pastime or worked as a huntsman.

History:

The surname Chase has ancient roots in England, with the earliest recorded instances dating back to the medieval period. The name has likely been widely distributed across various regions of the country due to its occupational and descriptive origins.

Distribution:

The surname Chase is prevalent in the British Isles, particularly in England. Over time, the name may have also spread to other English-speaking countries, such as the United States and Canada.

Notable Bearers:

  • Salmon Portland Chase (1808–1873): American politician and jurist, who served as the sixth Chief Justice of the United States.
  • James Hadley Chase (1906–1985): English writer, known for his crime and thriller novels.
  • Chevy Chase (b. 1943): American comedian and actor, known for his work in films and television.

Variants:

Variants of the surname Chase include Chace and Chayse, reflecting variations in spelling over time and in different localities.

The surname Chase carries a rich history that reflects England's cultural heritage and the occupations of its past inhabitants. With notable bearers across different fields, the name continues to be recognised both in the United Kingdom and internationally.

There are approximately 3,985 people named Chase in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,346th most common surname in Britain. Around 61 in a million people in Britain are named Chase.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Alison
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Katherine
  • Margaret
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Suzanne
  • Victoria

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