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![Show Contents]() Chanster History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 England
The founding heritage of the Chanster family is in the Anglo-Saxon culture that once dominated in Britain. The name Chanster comes from when one of the family worked as a choirmaster, or precentor, in a medieval church. Further research revealed that the name is derived from the Anglo French chantour, or chanteor in the Old French, a word for a singer, chorister, or precentor. Early Origins of the Chanster familyThe surname Chanster was first found in Leicestershire. However, one of the first records of the name was Hugh Sottovagina (died c. 1140), often referred to as Hugh the Chanter or Hugh the Chantor, a historian for York Minster during the 12th century. A few years later, John the Chanter (died 1191) was Bishop of Exeter (1186-1191), he is buried in Exeter Cathedral, where his tomb survives. Early History of the Chanster familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Chanster research. Another 225 words (16 lines of text) covering the years 1235, 1273, 1379, 1500, 1735 and 1761 are included under the topic Early Chanster History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Chanster Spelling VariationsThe first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Chanster has been spelled many different ways, including Chanter, Chantur, Chanster, Chaunter, Chaunster, Chantor, Chauntur, Chauntor, Chauntour and many more. Early Notables of the Chanster familyMore information is included under the topic Early Chanster Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Chanster familyThousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Chansters to arrive in North America: Nicholas Chaunter, who arrived in Barbados in 1686; John Chaunter, who arrived in America in 1736; John Chanter, who settled in America in 1736; Thomas Chaunter, who settled in America in 1749.
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