Chethem History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The Anglo-Saxon name Chethem comes from the family having resided in Cheetham, in the county of Lancashire. It is from the place-name Cheetham that the family name is derived.

Early Origins of the Chethem family

The surname Chethem was first found in Lancashire at Cheetham, a township, in the parish and union of Manchester, hundred of Salford. 1 Now part of Greater Manchester, Cheetham dates back to the late 12th century and literally meant "homestead or village by the wood called Chet," from the Celtic word "ced" meaning "forest" and the Old English word "ham." 2 The ancient archeological site Cheetham Close, a megalithic site and scheduled ancient monument is nearby and is generally thought to have been a druidical ritual place with a Roman road passed 'within two hundred yards' of the megalith. As far as the surname is concerned, one of the first records was Geoffrey de Chetham who was listed in the Assize Rolls of Lancashire in 1246. Over one hundred years later, Thomas de Cheteham was listed in Lancashire in 1394. 3 Another branch of the family was found at Allerton in Lancashire. "At the time of the Domesday Survey, three thanes held 'Alretune;' which was in the possession of Geoffrey de Chetham in the reign of Henry III." 1

Early History of the Chethem family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Chethem research. Another 58 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1580, 1640, 1648, 1653 and 1692 are included under the topic Early Chethem History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Chethem Spelling Variations

Chethem has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Spelling variants included: Chetham, Cheetham, Cheetam, Cheetum and others.

Early Notables of the Chethem family

Notables of this surname at this time include: Sir Edward Chetham; and Colonel John Chetham of Southhill House in Somerset, from a branch of the Derbyshire family. Humphrey Chetham, (1580-1653), was founder of the Chetham Hospital and Library, fifth son of Henry Chetham of Crumpsall Hall, near Mandiester, a prosperous merchant of that town. He was baptised at the collegiate church of Manchester on 10 July 1580. He received his education at the Manchester grammar school under Dr. Thomas Cogan. "For several years before his death he had 'taken up and maintained' twenty-two poor boys of Manchester, Salford, and Droylsden; and...
Another 99 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Chethem Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Chethem family to Ireland

Some of the Chethem family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Chethem family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Chethems to arrive on North American shores: Samuel and William Chettum who settled in New England in 1748; Philip Chetham arrived in Philadelphia in 1811; Edward, James, John, Thomas, and William Cheetham all arrived in Philadelphia between 1800 and 1860..

The Chethem Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Quod tuum tenne
Motto Translation: Hold what is yours

Citations +

Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)