First found in Somerset, where the family held a family seat from very early times. The Jews were granted lands by Duke William of Normandy, their liege Lord, for their distinguished assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D. The earliest recorded bearer of the name was Randal de Chiw, who was listed in the Assize Rolls of Somerset in 1201.

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More about the Jew History...

Please remember that this page is only a small extract of our complete history that includes:

• Ancient origin of the name (usually pre-1100)
• Known spelling variations
• Early movement of the family name during the Middle Ages
• Noteworthy bearers from the 1500-1600s
• First settlers to North America
• Notable contemporary bearers of the name
• A description and/or full color picture of the Coat of Arms, Crest, and Motto (where available)

For many English families, the political and religious disarray that plagued their homeland made the frontiers of the New World an attractive prospect. Thousands migrated, aboard cramped disease-ridden ships. They arrived sick, poor, and hungry, but were welcomed in many cases with far greater opportunity than at home in England. Many of these hardy settlers went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations in which they landed. Among early immigrants bearing the name Jew or a variant listed above were: John Chew and his wife Sarah, who settled in Virginia in 1623; as did Robert Chew in 1663; Ann Chew, who came to Maryland in 1670; Hannah Chew, who immigrated to Maryland in 1720.

For more information on the last name Jew, the PDF Surname History is available for purchase as well as other products.