CHATTO
Chatto
Origin and Meaning: Chatto is a British surname of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name Ceatta, meaning a "small bird," and likely originated as a nickname for someone who was quick and agile, akin to a bird in flight.
Surname Distribution: The surname Chatto is relatively rare in the United Kingdom and is most commonly found in regions with historic Anglo-Saxon influence such as East Anglia and the East Midlands.
Notable Individuals:
- Sophie Chatto (b. 1994): A member of the British royal family, Sophie is the daughter of Lady Sarah Chatto and the granddaughter of Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon.
- Russell John Chatto (b. 1945): A prominent British costume and set designer known for his work in the film and theatre industry.
Coat of Arms: The Chatto family does not have an officially documented coat of arms, as the use of heraldry is traditionally reserved for noble families. However, individual families may have designed their own coat of arms over the years.
Variants: Variants of the surname Chatto include Chatt, Chatterton, and Chattow.
References:
- Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1995). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 66 people named Chatto in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Chatto.