Chimes History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Chimes

What does the name Chimes mean?

The ancient roots of the Chimes family are in the Anglo-Saxon culture. The name Chimes comes from when the family lived near a crevice, chasm, or canyon. Further research revealed that the name is derived from the Old English word chine, that comes from the Old English word "cinu," meaning fissure, or chasm. The surname meant "dweller by the ravine."

Early Origins of the Chimes family

The surname Chimes was first found in Somerset, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Chimes family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Chimes research. Another 91 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1243, 1273, 1275, 1803 and 1804 are included under the topic Early Chimes History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Chimes 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 Chimes were recorded, including Ching, Chinn, Chine, Chynne, Shin, Shinn, Attechine and many more.

Early Notables of the Chimes family

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

Migration of the Chimes family

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 Chimes family emigrate to North America: Edward Chinn who arrived in New York in 1798 and John Ching, on record in Alabama in 1889.