Chanter History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The many generations and branches of the Chanter family can all place the origins of their surname with the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. Their name reveals that an early member 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 Chanter family

The surname Chanter 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 Chanter family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Chanter research. Another 225 words (16 lines of text) covering the years 1235, 1273, 1379, 1500, 1735 and 1761 are included under the topic Early Chanter History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Chanter Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Chanter were recorded, including Chanter, Chantur, Chanster, Chaunter, Chaunster, Chantor, Chauntur, Chauntor, Chauntour and many more.

Early Notables of the Chanter family

More information is included under the topic Early Chanter Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Chanter migration to the United States +

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Chanter family emigrate to North America:

Chanter Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

John Chanter, who settled in America in 1736
Joseph Chanter, who settled in America sometime between 1760 and 1765

Chanter migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Chanter Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

T. B. Chanter, who arrived in Prince Edward Island in 1824

Contemporary Notables of the name Chanter (post 1700) +

Vic Chanter (1921-2010), Australian rules footballer
John Courtenay Chanter (1881-1962), Australian politician, Member of the New South Wales Parliament for Lachlan (1943-1947)
John Moore Chanter (1845-1931), Australian politician, farmer and commission agent, Member of the Australian Parliament for Riverina (1901-1903)
Doreen Chanter, British singer, best known as a member of the Chanter Sisters