Chequer History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Chequer

What does the name Chequer mean?

The name Chequer is rooted in the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It was originally a name for someone who worked as a maker of chessboards, or an accountant to a king which is derived from the Old English word cheker, from the Anglo-French word escheker, which was the word for a chess board. Originally, it denoted a maker of chess boards. Later, escheker became the word for a table of accounts. More specifically, it meant the king's table of accounts, the Court of the Exchequer. The name Chequer is related to the word exchequer, which indicated a person who worked as a clerk in the Court of the Exchequer.

Early Origins of the Chequer family

The surname Chequer was first found in Hampshire where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Chequer family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Chequer research. Another 206 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1256, 1279, 1316, 1327, 1377 and 1500 are included under the topic Early Chequer History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Chequer Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Chequer are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Chequer include Checker, Cheker, Le Cheker, Chequer and others.

Early Notables of the Chequer family

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

Chequer migration to the United States +

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Chequer or a variant listed above:

Chequer Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

William Chequer, who settled in America in 1766

Chequer migration to Australia +

Chequer Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Phillis Chequer, aged 28, British settler who arrived in Adelaide, South Australia aboard the "Hesperus" in 1883