Summary
The surname Chaney is believed to have originated in Ireland or Scotland. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Ó Catháin, meaning 'descendant of Cathán'. The name has a rich history and is associated with several notable individuals throughout the years.There are
33201
Chaneys in the USAChaney is the
1059th
most common last name in the USAHistorical figures and celebrities called Chaney
LonChaney
Lon Chaney Sr. was an American actor known for his roles in silent horror films, including 'The Phantom of the Opera' and 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame.' He was renowned for his transformative makeup and ability to convey complex emotions.CarolynChaney
Carolyn Chaney is an American politician who served as the Mayor of Beebe, Arkansas from 2013 to 2017. She was the first female mayor of Beebe and worked to improve the city's infrastructure and promote economic development.DickChaney
Dick Chaney is an American politician and businessman who served as the 46th Vice President of the United States from 2001 to 2009 under President George W. Bush. He also had a long career in government, including serving as Secretary of Defense.BenChaney
Ben Chaney is an American civil rights activist who worked alongside his older brother James Chaney during the Civil Rights Movement. He and his brother were involved in voter registration drives and activism in Mississippi, and James was tragically killed during the Freedom Summer of 1964.JamesChaney
James Chaney was an American civil rights activist who was tragically murdered in Mississippi during the Freedom Summer of 1964. He and two other activists, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner, were abducted and killed by members of the Ku Klux Klan.EricChaney
Eric Chaney is a French economist and academic. He has held several prominent positions, including Chief Economist at AXA Group and Lecturer at Sciences Po in Paris. He specializes in macroeconomic analysis and economic forecasting.DanaChaney
Dana Chaney is an American actress known for her roles in TV shows like '7th Heaven' and 'Chicago Hope.' She has also appeared in films such as 'The Five Heartbeats' and 'Boyz n the Hood.'JoshuaChaney
Joshua Chaney is a Jamaican sprinter who specializes in the 400-meter hurdles. He has represented Jamaica in multiple international competitions, including the Olympics and the World Championships.EvelynChaney
Evelyn Chaney is a British fashion designer known for her elegant and innovative designs. She has worked with various high-end fashion brands and has her own successful line of clothing and accessories.LesterChaney
Lester Chaney is an American jazz musician who plays the saxophone. He has performed with several renowned jazz artists and has released his own albums as a bandleader.Chaney Genealogy
OriginsThe surname 'Chaney' is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the Old English word 'cēne,' which means 'bold' or 'brave.' The name was likely originally used as a nickname for someone with these qualities.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Chaney' is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the southern states. It is also present in smaller numbers in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Chaney' include 'Cheney,' 'Cheaney,' 'Channey,' and 'Chanee.'