Chalass History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Chalass

What does the name Chalass mean?

Today's generation of the Chalass family bears a name that was brought to England by the migration wave that was started by the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Chalass family lived in Hertfordshire. The family was originally from Eschailles, in Pas de Calais, Normandy, and it is from this location that their surname is derived.

Early Origins of the Chalass family

The surname Chalass was first found in Hertfordshire where they held a family seat from very early times and were granted lands by Duke William of Normandy, their liege Lord, for their distinguished assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Chalass family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Chalass research. Another 106 words (8 lines of text) covering the year 1449 is included under the topic Early Chalass History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Chalass Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, Norman French and other languages became incorporated into English throughout the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Chalass include Challis, Challes, Challers, Challice, Challies, Challiss, Chalis, Chales, Chalers, Chalice, Chalies and many more.

Early Notables of the Chalass family

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

Migration of the Chalass family

In England at this time, the uncertainty of the political and religious environment of the time caused many families to board ships for distant British colonies in the hopes of finding land and opportunity, and escaping persecution. The voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, though, and many arrived in North America sick, starved, and destitute. Those who did make it, however, were greeted with greater opportunities and freedoms that they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make important contributions to the young nations in which they settled. Early immigration records have shown some of the first Chalasss to arrive on North American shores: Phillip Challis settled in Newbury Massachusetts in 1637; Edward Challis settled in Virginia in 1639; Robert Chalis settled in New England in 1698.