Origin and Meaning of Chester

Meaning & Origin

Fortress, walled town

Origin: Old English - Derived from the Old English word 'ceaster,' which means 'fortress' or 'walled town.' This is ultimately linked to the Latin word 'castra,' meaning 'camp.'

Interesting Facts

  • Chester is often associated with various towns and cities in England, particularly those that were originally Roman forts.
  • In the United States, the name Chester gained popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has seen a decline in recent years.
  • Notable bearers of the name include Chester A. Arthur, the 21st President of the United States, and Chester Bennington, lead singer of the rock band Linkin Park.
  • Chester was a more popular name in the early to mid-20th century, particularly peaking in the 1920s. Its popularity has significantly decreased since then.
  • Related names include Chet, a common nickname for Chester, and other variations in different languages like Céstaire (Irish).