Summary

The surname Chester has English origins and is derived from a place name meaning 'fortress' or 'Roman town'. It can be traced back to the medieval period and has a rich history associated with it.
There are
15066
Chesters in the USA
Chester is the
2408th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Chester

ChesterA.

Chester A. Arthur was the 21st President of the United States, serving from 1881 to 1885. He became president following the assassination of James A. Garfield and played a key role in passing the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act.

ChesterBennington

Chester Bennington was an American musician, best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Linkin Park. He achieved great success with the band, releasing several hit albums and earning numerous awards.

ChesterNimitz

Chester Nimitz was a United States Navy admiral who played a major role in the naval victories of World War II, including the Battle of Midway. He served as the Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet during the war.

ChesterGould

Chester Gould was an American cartoonist, best known as the creator of the comic strip 'Dick Tracy.' His creation became a cultural phenomenon and has been adapted into various forms of media.

ChesterCarlson

Chester Carlson was an American physicist and inventor who is best known for inventing the process of electrophotography, which became the basis for modern photocopying and laser printing.

ChesterHimes

Chester Himes was an American writer known for his gritty and realistic crime novels. His most famous work is the 'Harlem Cycle,' a series of detective stories set in Harlem during the 1940s and 1950s.

ChesterW.

Chester W. Nimitz Jr. was a United States Navy officer and aviator who served during World War II and the Korean War. He was the son of Admiral Chester Nimitz and followed in his father's footsteps in the Navy.

ChesterH.

Chester H. Ferguson was an American businessman and politician who served in the United States House of Representatives. He represented the 3rd district of Florida from 1955 to 1974.

ChesterH.

Chester H. Rowell was an American journalist and political activist. He was the founder and editor of the 'Fresno Morning Republican' and played a crucial role in the fight for the establishment of the Yosemite National Park.

ChesterMorris

Chester Morris was an American actor who appeared in over 100 films during his career. He is best known for his role as Boston Blackie in a series of crime films in the 1920s and 1930s.

Chester Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Chester' is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word 'ceaster,' which means 'fort' or 'walled town.' It was often used as a topographic surname for someone who lived near a fort or a walled town.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Chester' is most commonly found in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. It is also found in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where there are significant populations of English immigrants.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Chester' include 'Cheester' and 'Cheastar.'
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Chester' has been carried by immigrants from England to various countries, especially during periods of British colonization and industrialization. Many people with the surname 'Chester' can trace their ancestry back to the British Isles.