Cheff History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• England
• Ireland

Etymology of Cheff

The name Cheff is rooted in the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It was a name for someone who was a bald headed man. Further research revealed that the name is derived from the French expression le chauve, which means "the bald one."

Early Origins of the Cheff family

Early History of the Cheff family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cheff research. Another 50 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Cheff History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Cheff Spelling Variations

Cheff 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. Many variations of the name Cheff have been found, including Chafy, Chafe, Chafee, Chafey, Chaff, Chaffe, Chaffee and many more.

Early Notables of the Cheff family

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

Migration of the Cheff family to Ireland

Some of the Cheff 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 Cheff 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 Cheffs to arrive on North American shores: Thomas Chaffee who settled in Hingham Massachusetts in 1637 and moved to Swansea by 1660; Matthew Chaffee settled in Boston in 1630; James Chaffey settled in New England in 1762.