Show ContentsChivell History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Chivell is an Anglo-Saxon name. The name was originally given to a horseman, or chevalier, in the Old French. Actually, the initial bearer of this name was a knight as knights were known as Chevaliers in Old French. In fact, chevalier is the root of the word chivalry, the code of knightly conduct.

Early Origins of the Chivell family

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

Early History of the Chivell family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Chivell research. Another 36 words (3 lines of text) covering the years 1273, 1626 and 1729 are included under the topic Early Chivell History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Chivell Spelling Variations

One relatively recent invention that did much to standardize English spelling was the printing press. However, before its invention even the most literate people recorded their names according to sound rather than spelling. The spelling variations under which the name Chivell has appeared include Chivell, Chevall and others.

Early Notables of the Chivell family

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


United States Chivell migration to the United States +

At this time, the shores of the New World beckoned many English families that felt that the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. Thousands left England at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. A great portion of these settlers never survived the journey and even a greater number arrived sick, starving, and without a penny. The survivors, however, were often greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. These English settlers made significant contributions to those colonies that would eventually become the United States and Canada. An examination of early immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Chivell arrived in North America very early:

Chivell Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Thomas Henry Chivell, who arrived in California in 1868

Australia Chivell migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Chivell Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Isaac Chivell, aged 31, who arrived in South Australia in 1854 aboard the ship "Thetis" 1

Contemporary Notables of the name Chivell (post 1700) +

  • Wilfred Chivell, American marine environmentalist, best known for his study of sharks
  • Wayne Cromwell Chivell, Australian jurist, Judge of the District Court of South Australia (2005-)


  1. South Australian Register Friday 1st September 1854. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) Emigrant 1854. Retrieved http://www.theshipslist.com/ships/australia/thetis1854.shtml


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