The name Chandler is an English occupational surname that originated in the Middle Ages and later became a masculine given name. It derives from the Old French word "chandelier," which means "candlestick maker" or "candle maker." The name can be traced back to the 12th century, when it referred to individuals who made and sold candles.

In medieval times, chandlers played a crucial role in providing illumination for homes, churches, and other buildings. As their trade was considered essential, chandlers often held respected positions within their communities. The name Chandler may have initially been used to identify individuals by their occupation before becoming a hereditary surname.

One of the earliest known references to the name Chandler can be found in the Domesday Book, a record of landholdings and properties compiled in 1086 by order of William the Conqueror. The book mentions several individuals with the surname Chandler, indicating the name's existence and use during the Norman period in England.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Chandler. One of the most famous was Thomas Chandler (1693-1766), an English theologian and philosopher who served as Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield. He was known for his extensive writings on theology and his defense of Christianity against deism.

Another prominent Chandler was Zachariah Chandler (1813-1879), an American politician who served as a United States Senator from Michigan and later as Secretary of the Interior under President Ulysses S. Grant. He played a significant role in the abolition of slavery and the reconstruction of the South after the American Civil War.

In the field of literature, Raymond Chandler (1888-1959) was a renowned American novelist and screenwriter known for his influential detective fiction and for creating the iconic character Philip Marlowe. His works, such as "The Big Sleep" and "Farewell, My Lovely," are considered classics of the hardboiled genre and have had a lasting impact on crime fiction.

The name Chandler has also been associated with notable figures in other fields, such as Edward Chandler (1768-1841), an English sculptor known for his neoclassical works, and Everett Chandler (1909-1972), an American baseball player who played for the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago White Sox in the 1930s and 1940s.

While the name Chandler has its roots in an occupational surname, it has evolved over centuries to become a respected and widely used given name in English-speaking countries. Its historical significance and association with notable individuals have contributed to its enduring popularity.