Chips History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Chips

What does the name Chips mean?

The name Chips is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. Chips was a name used for a carpenter, from the wood chips that festooned a carpenter's hair and body. 1

Early Origins of the Chips family

The surname Chips was first found in Worcestershire, where Isabella Chippes was listed in the Subsidy Rolls for 1275. In Somerset John Chip was found there in the Subsidy Rolls for 1327. 2 Alan de Chepe was found in Devon in 1311 and later William Chepe was listed at Sheffield in 1369. 1

Early History of the Chips family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Chips research. Another 79 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1275, 1327, 1531, 1606, 1620, 1767, 1823, 1844, 1856, 1862 and 1886 are included under the topic Early Chips History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Chips Spelling Variations

Until the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Chips include Chipp, Chip, Chyppe, Chypp, Chips, Chipps, Chippes, Chippe, Chipet, Chipman, Chippman and many more.

Early Notables of the Chips family

Distinguished members of the family include Edmund Thomas Chipp, eldest son of the late T. P. Chipp (well known as the player of the 'Tower drums'), born Christmas Day, 1823, educated in her Majesty's Chapel Royal, St. James's. Studied the violin under Nadaud and Tolbecque, and entered the Queen's private band in 1844. Became known as an organist of some repute, and in 47 succeeded Dr. Gauntlett at St. Olave's, a position...
Another 71 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Chips Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Chips migration to Canada +

Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Chips were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records:

Chips Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

James Chips, who settled in Ontario in 1871

Contemporary Notables of the name Chips (post 1700) +

Chips Rafferty MBE (1909-1971), Australian actor

Sources +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.