The name Chas is a diminutive or shortened form of the more common name Charles, which has its origins in the Germanic languages. Charles is derived from the Old German name Karl, meaning "man" or "husband." The name gained widespread popularity across Europe during the Middle Ages, particularly after the reign of Charlemagne, the Frankish King and Holy Roman Emperor from 768 to 814 AD.

The earliest recorded use of the name Chas can be traced back to the 16th century in England. It was often used as a familiar or affectionate form of Charles, particularly among aristocratic families and the upper classes. One notable example is Chas Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, who lived from 1484 to 1545 and was a close friend and brother-in-law of King Henry VIII.

In literature, the name Chas appears in various works, including "The Pickwick Papers" by Charles Dickens, where it is used as a nickname for the character Charles Augustus Muffin. William Makepeace Thackeray's novel "Vanity Fair" also features a character named Chas Bayham, a military officer and friend of the main character, Becky Sharp.

Throughout history, several prominent individuals have borne the name Chas as a shortened version of Charles. One notable example is Chas Addams, the American cartoonist and creator of the iconic Addams Family characters, who lived from 1912 to 1988. Another is Chas Chandler, the English musician and producer who co-founded the band The Animals and later managed the career of Jimi Hendrix (1938-1996).

In the world of sports, Chas Bongard was a British gymnast who competed in the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm, winning a gold medal in the team combined event. Chas Underhill was an English cricketer who played for Gloucestershire and Oxford University in the late 19th century, born in 1857 and died in 1926.

While the name Chas may have fallen out of favor in recent decades, it remains a part of the rich tapestry of historical names, reflecting the enduring influence of the Germanic roots and the cultural significance of the name Charles across various eras and regions.