CHATWIN
Entry: Chatwin
Chatwin is a surname of English origin, predominantly found in the West Midlands region of England. The surname is an occupational name derived from the Old English words ceap (meaning trade) and winn (meaning friend), indicating a trading or merchant background for those who bore the name.
The earliest recorded instance of the Chatwin surname dates back to the 13th century in Worcestershire, indicating its long history in the region. Over time, families with the Chatwin surname have spread to other parts of the United Kingdom and the world.
Notable bearers of the surname include the English author Bruce Chatwin (1940-1989), renowned for his travel writing and novels. His works have contributed to the surname gaining recognition beyond genealogical relevance.
The Chatwin surname has various spellings over the centuries, such as Chatwyn, Chattin, Chattwin, and Chetwode, reflecting the evolution of language and literacy.
Through genealogical research and historical records, the surname Chatwin provides a link to England's past, reflecting the economic and societal roles of individuals in medieval England, where trade and commerce played crucial roles in community life.
There are approximately 1,424 people named Chatwin in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,593rd most common surname in Britain. Around 22 in a million people in Britain are named Chatwin.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Keith
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Richard
- Robert
Female
- Amanda
- Christine
- Helen
- Janet
- Jennifer
- Joanne
- Margaret
- Patricia
- Rachel
- Sarah
- Shirley
- Susan