Surname Chandler - Meaning and Origin

The Emotional Odyssey of DNA Testing: Tracing the Chandler Heritage

Taking a DNA test conjured a myriad of emotions, akin to tracing the connecting threads throughout generations. From curiosity to anxiety, excitement, relief and fulfillment, each stage was marked by different sentiments. The revelations didn't just provide tangible links to the past but reshaped my perception towards my family and surname, Chandler.

P. Chandler

Chandler: What does the surname Chandler mean?

The last name Chandler has an occupational origin, deriving from the Old French word "chandelier," which means candle seller. It was used to denote someone who engaged in the craft and trade of making and selling candles, soaps, and similar products. In the Middle Ages, the specialty of creating such goods put them in demand, thus highlighting the importance and prevalence of such a surname during that period. As time passed, the meaning evolved, and the name "Chandler" started to refer to a retailer of provisions, a grocer, or a supplier of equipment and various provisions for ships and similar sea vessels in British naval dockyards. Despite its varied changed references, the overarching connotation of the name "Chandler" remains connected to a merchant or a trader.

Chandler: Where does the name Chandler come from?

The surname Chandler originates from England and dates back to the medieval period. It is derived from an Old French term "chandelier", which then transformed into Middle English as "chaundeler". The term was used to refer to a person who made and sold candles, or sometimes, soap. Hence, the surname was an occupational one, hinting at the profession, similar to other surnames such as Baker, Carpenter, and more.

Over the years, due to emigration patterns from England to New World, Chandler also spread to other English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Today, the last name Chandler is most common in the United States, particularly in the southeastern states. However, it is also somewhat popular in England, particularly in areas like Hampshire and Surrey. Despite its origins and prevalence in English-speaking countries, it is not amongst the most common last names in these countries.

Variations of the surname Chandler

The surname Chandler has various spellings and variations due to its historical and geographical context. These include Candler, Chandlar, Chantler, Chantelier, and Candleer. Some surnames of the same origin include Chandel, Chantle, and Händler which is German for a trader or dealer which was often used for candle makers. Spellings could also differ by regions and countries, such as Chandley, and Chandlee or Chandelar in France.

It is also worth noting that Chandler is a culturally diverse name with different variations used in different countries; Russian people would spell it as Shandler, and in Ukraine, it would become Shandlir. These differences emerge due to the phonetic adaptations of different languages.

It's important to note that the Chandler family name was found in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Scotland between 1840 and 1920. In America, the Southern States showed the highest population of Chandler families in 1840, influencing localized spellings and variants. Overall, Chandler and all its variants have a rich and diverse lineage reflecting a vast history across various cultures and geographies.

Famous people with the name Chandler

• Kyle Chandler: An American actor best known for his role in the television series "Friday Night Lights".
• Raymond Chandler: An American-British novelist and screenwriter, famous for his contributions to the detective genre.
• Elizabeth Chandler: A bestselling American author known for romance novels.
• Jeff Chandler: An American actor, film producer, and singer best remembered for his role in "Broken Arrow".
• Carolyn Chandler: Prominent in the UX design field, co-author of "A Project Guide to UX Design".
• Chris Chandler: A retired professional American football quarterback who played in the NFL.
• Pearl E. Chandler: An American politician who served in the Minnesota Senate.
• Gene Chandler: An American singer, songwriter, music producer, who's also known as "The Duke of Earl".
• George Chandler: A character actor who appeared in over 140 films.
• Marjorie Chandler: An English writer known for her large body of romantic fiction works.
• Alfred D. Chandler: An American historian and business professor at Harvard Business School.
• Adam Chandler: A fictional character from the soap opera "All My Children".
• Zach Chandler: A former American football player who featured in NFL as well.
• Charlotte Chandler: An American biographer known for celebrity interviews and autobiographies.
• William E. Chandler: An American lawyer, politician, and Secretary of the Navy under President Chester A. Arthur.
• Wilson Chandler: A professional basketball player who plays in the NBA.

Other surnames

ChandleeChandleyChandlor