Chaplin Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Chaplin come from? What does the surname Chaplin mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Chaplin and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Chaplin Origin: What does the last name Chaplin mean?
The surname Chaplin has origins in England, where it was an occupational name for a clergyman. In Russian, Ukrainian, and Belarusian, Chaplin is derived from 'chaplya,' meaning 'heron' or 'stork.' Records show the surname first appearing in England in the early 15th century, spreading globally over the centuries. By the 20th century, the Chaplin name became prominent in countries like the United States, England, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, with notable presence in South Africa, France, and Ireland.
YourRoots data confirms the long-standing presence of the Chaplin surname in England since the 15th century, with global spread to countries like the United States and beyond. The Chaplin name reflects a diverse history and remains prevalent in various regions, showcasing its enduring legacy and widespread impact.
Chaplin Last Name History: Where did the last name Chaplin come from?
Origin of Chaplin Surname: Where does the last name Chaplin originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Chaplin first appeared in records from England around the early 15th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Chaplin spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Chaplin: What does the Chaplin surname history look like in the early days?
The Chaplin surname remained closely associated with England from the 15th to the 18th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Chaplin family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Chaplin surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Chaplin surname grew significantly in the United States. The Chaplin surname remains prominent in countries like England, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. It appears in many countries, including South Africa, France, and Ireland.
Explore Chaplin last name heritage and Chaplin surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Chaplin Surame?
Paul Chaplin
Paul Chaplin (born Paul Schersten) was an American writer and comedian best known for his work on the television series Mystery Science Theater 3000. He wrote for the show and played various recurring characters, such as an Observer, Ned the Nanite, Pitch the Demon, and Ortega. Chaplin got his start as a community organizer before transitioning to comedy and adopting the stage surname Chaplin. Apart from MST3K, he has worked on projects like Edward the Less and Timmy Big Hands, written for NPR and Elysian Fields Quarterly, and provided the voice of Crow T. Robot in the MST3K online animated series.
Winfield Scott Chaplin
Winfield Scott Chaplin (August 22, 1847 – March 12, 1918) was a prominent figure in academia and served as the chancellor of Washington University in St. Louis. Graduating from West Point as a second lieutenant, Chaplin went on to hold various academic positions before becoming the dean of the Lawrence Scientific School at Harvard. During his tenure at Washington University, the campus relocated to its current site on the Hilltop Campus. Chaplin's influence brought significant individuals to the University's board of directors. After his time at the University, he led the American Rio Grande Land and Irrigation Company before passing away in 1918. His legacy lives on through his contributions to education and academia.
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