Find out how popular the first name Chantry has been for the last 38 years (from 1978 to 2015) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Chantry by gender

Based on the last 38 years of data, Chantry is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2015, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Chantry.

The history of the first name Chantry

The name Chantry has its origins in Old French, derived from the word "chanterie," which referred to an endowment for the singing of masses for the souls of the deceased. The name is closely tied to the medieval Catholic Church and its religious practices.

In medieval times, a chantry was a chapel or small side altar within a church, where masses were regularly celebrated and prayers were offered for the souls of the deceased benefactors who had endowed the chantry. The name Chantry emerged as a surname for those who were employed or associated with these chantry chapels.

The earliest recorded use of Chantry as a first name dates back to the 13th century, when it was given to individuals who were born or resided near these chantry chapels. It was a way to commemorate the religious significance of these endowed chapels and the charitable acts of their founders.

One of the earliest known individuals with the first name Chantry was Chantry de Vaux, a 13th-century English landowner and benefactor who established a chantry chapel in Northamptonshire, England.

Another notable figure was Chantry Hichens, a 15th-century English priest and scholar who served as the chaplain of a chantry chapel in Somerset, England.

In the 16th century, Chantry Barnfield, an English poet and writer, was born in 1574 and is known for his works such as "The Encomion of Lady Pecunia" and "The Affectionate Shepherd."

During the 17th century, Chantry Burgh, an English architect and surveyor, was born in 1630 and is credited with designing several churches and buildings in London and the surrounding areas.

In the 19th century, Chantry Symes, an English artist and painter, was born in 1834 and gained recognition for his landscapes and portraits.

While the name Chantry has its roots in religious and historical contexts, its use as a first name has become increasingly rare in modern times. However, it remains a unique and intriguing name that carries a rich cultural and ecclesiastical heritage.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Chantry was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Chantry, please contact us.

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