Find out how popular the first name Chevalier has been for the last 18 years (from 1984 to 2001) and learn more about the meaning and history.
A French masculine name meaning "knight" or "horseman".
Based on the last 18 years of data, Chevalier is exclusively a male name.
For the most recent data in 2001, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Chevalier.
| Year | Male Count | Female Count |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 5 | 0 |
| 1997 | 5 | 0 |
| 1988 | 5 | 0 |
| 1986 | 6 | 0 |
| 1984 | 6 | 0 |
Chevalier is a French name derived from the Old French word "chevalier," which means "knight" or "horseman." The name has its origins in the chivalric culture of medieval Europe, particularly in France.
During the Middle Ages, the term "chevalier" referred to a mounted knight who served a lord or sovereign. These knights were part of the military nobility and were expected to uphold the chivalric code of conduct, which emphasized virtues such as courage, honor, and loyalty.
The name Chevalier first appeared in historical records and literary works from the 11th and 12th centuries, such as the famous French epic poem "The Song of Roland." It was commonly given to sons of noble families who were expected to pursue a career in knighthood or military service.
One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name Chevalier was Geoffroi Chevalier, a French knight who participated in the Third Crusade (1189-1192) under King Richard I of England. Another notable figure was Philippe de Chevalier, a French nobleman and military leader who fought in the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453) against the English.
During the Renaissance period, the name Chevalier gained popularity among the French nobility and bourgeoisie. Michel Chevalier (1506-1572) was a prominent French theologian and reformer who played a significant role in the Protestant Reformation.
In the 17th century, the name was borne by François Chevalier de Lorimier (1623-1687), a French military officer who served under King Louis XIV and was instrumental in the expansion of the French colony in North America.
Moving into the 18th century, Étienne Chevalier (1720-1785) was a French astronomer and mathematician who made important contributions to the study of celestial mechanics and the calculation of planetary orbits.
In more recent times, the name Chevalier has been associated with notable figures such as Maurice Chevalier (1888-1972), a famous French actor, singer, and entertainer known for his roles in Hollywood musicals and his iconic songs like "Thank Heaven for Little Girls."
These examples demonstrate the rich history and significance of the name Chevalier, which is deeply rooted in the chivalric traditions of medieval France and has been borne by individuals from various walks of life, including knights, nobles, scholars, and entertainers.
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 Chevalier was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.
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