Chales History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Chales

What does the name Chales mean?

Chales is a name that was carried to England in the great wave of migration from Normandy following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Chales family lived in Hertfordshire. The family was originally from Eschailles, in Pas de Calais, Normandy, and it is from this location that their surname is derived.

Early Origins of the Chales family

The surname Chales was first found in Hertfordshire where they held a family seat from very early times and were granted lands by Duke William of Normandy, their liege Lord, for their distinguished assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Chales family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Chales research. Another 106 words (8 lines of text) covering the year 1449 is included under the topic Early Chales History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Chales Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Chales were recorded, including Challis, Challes, Challers, Challice, Challies, Challiss, Chalis, Chales, Chalers, Chalice, Chalies and many more.

Early Notables of the Chales family

More information is included under the topic Early Chales Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Chales family

The unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Chales arrived in North America very early: Phillip Challis settled in Newbury Massachusetts in 1637; Edward Challis settled in Virginia in 1639; Robert Chalis settled in New England in 1698.