Surname Chavous - Meaning and Origin
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Chavous: What does the surname Chavous mean?
The last name Chavous is of French origin, and is believed to have originated in Normandy. It is thought to derive from the Old French word chavot, meaning "a man of care". Chavous was likely an occupational name given to a herdsman, suggesting someone who took care of livestock or a farmstead.
The Chavous family were landowners and members of the nobility during the Middle Ages. They likely held significant influence in the region and may have been involved in politics or court life. Historical records indicate that many members of the Chavous family had apparitions mentioned in various charters, confirming their status as respected citizens of the community.
Today, the surname Chavous is primarily found in South Eastern France, although there are some scattered instances of it in America and other countries as well.
It is believed that the meaning of the last name Chavous has remained largely the same throughout the centuries. It may still be used to refer to someone who is caring, reliable and trustworthy. This is certainly indicative of the family's historic loyalty and importance to its community.
Order DNA origin analysisChavous: Where does the name Chavous come from?
The last name Chavous is most commonly found in the United States today. It was first recorded in the 18th century in Virginia and spread as far as North and South Carolina. The last name is of French origin and thus is very common among those of French descent living in the United States.
In 2020, the last name Chavous is most commonly found by those of African American heritage. Chavous is a surname often discovered among individuals living in the southern United States, particularly in Mississippi, Arkansas, Georgia, Alabama and Louisiana. It has even spread as far as California, Florida, Arizona, and New York.
The Chavous family typically had to endure some hardship and adversity due to the prevailing social climate at that time. Nonetheless, the family succeeded in creating a significant legacy, which continues to this day. Several notable individuals connected with the surname Chavous have made profound contributions to the world in the fields of business, media, education, and politics.
Chavous descendants have also become prominent figures in the realm of art, culture, and entertainment. The list of celebrities and notable persons connected with Chavous includes renowned actors, singers, and professional athletes. Whoopi Goldberg, Alicia Keys, and Vido Chavous are only three of the many who have made a significant mark in today’s society.
Variations of the surname Chavous
The surname Chavous is derived from the Latin root word ‘chavus’, which means 'people', and is of French origin. It is a common surname throughout Northern Europe, particularly in France, Belgium, Netherlands and the British Isles.
Variants of the surname include Chaveau, Chavoix, Chavaux, Chavee, Chaveau, Chaves, Chavoeux and Chavoie. Alternate spellings include Chavour, Chavors, Chavor, Chavar, Chavors, Chavors, Chavours and Chavoir.
In many countries, the spelling of the original name has been altered somewhat for various reasons, such as poorly written records or when words have been spelled phonetically when recorded.
The Chavous surname is most prevalent in the France, Belgium and the Netherlands, with a number of spelling variants being recorded in more modern records. In the United Kingdom, Chaver, Chavoor, Chavoir and Chavres are the most common spellings.
In the United States, the sound-alike surname Chafin is also found. The surname Chafon or Chafoy also appears to be a variant spelling of the Chavous surname. The surname Chever, Chevrier, Chevrot and Chivette are also thought to originate from the Chavous surname.
Finally, the French surname Chavigny can be derived from Chavous as well. In other words, anyone bearing the surname Chavous may have a French ancestor whose ancestors spelled the surname Chavigny.
Famous people with the name Chavous
- Lawyer-turned-podcast host Wes Chavous
- Journalist and author Sarah Chavous
- Former Episcopal Bishop of Washington, DC, John Bryson Chavous, Sr.
- Actor and writer Malcolm Chavous
- American football player John Chavous
- Former professional basketball player Chuck Chavous
- Musician and producer Rotimi Chavous
- Former NAACP president Kweisi Chavous
- Dance instructor and choreographer Laurence Chavous
- Poet Maurice Chavous