The name Chelsea has its origins in the Old English language and is derived from the place name "Chelcith," which means "chalk landing place." This place name referred to the area now known as Chelsea in London, England, which was first recorded in the late 11th century.

Chelsea as a given name emerged in the 19th century, likely inspired by the affluent London district of the same name. The name gained popularity as a feminine name in the English-speaking world, although its original meaning was gender-neutral.

One of the earliest recorded uses of Chelsea as a given name was in 1843, when Chelsea Calhoun was born in Mississippi, United States. She was the daughter of John C. Calhoun, a prominent American statesman and political theorist.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Chelsea. One of the most famous was Chelsea Clinton, born in 1980, the daughter of former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Another notable Chelsea was Chelsea Manning, born in 1987, a former United States Army soldier who was convicted of leaking classified documents to WikiLeaks. Manning's actions sparked debates about government transparency and national security.

In literature, Chelsea Therezina Edgardo Coolidge was a character in the novel "The Ambassadors" by Henry James, published in 1903. This Chelsea was depicted as a young American woman living in Paris.

Chelsea Brown, born in 1975, is a Canadian actress and model known for her roles in films such as "Hairspray" and "Reign Over Me." She has also appeared in numerous television shows and commercials.

Chelsea Handler, born in 1975, is an American comedian, actress, writer, television host, and producer. She is best known for her talk shows "Chelsea Lately" and "Chelsea."

While the name Chelsea has its roots in Old English and was initially associated with a specific location, it has evolved over time to become a popular given name for individuals around the world, particularly in English-speaking countries.