Chew Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Chew come from? What does the surname Chew mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Chew and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Chew Origin: What does the last name Chew mean?
The surname Chew has diverse origins, with variations in English, Chinese, and Korean cultures. In English, it may stem from locations in Lancashire or Somerset, or even from the Old English term for a smaller species of crow. In Chinese, Chew represents different Mandarin pronunciations and Teochew or Cantonese dialects. In Korean, it could be an alternate spelling of the surnames Ju or Chu. Records show the surname Chew appearing in England around the 15th century, spreading to the United States by the 17th century, and becoming prominent among Asian, White, and Black populations.
YourRoots data indicates the Chew surname's historical presence in England and its subsequent global spread, with significant concentrations in the United States. By the 20th century, Chew family records were found not only in the U.S. but also in countries like Canada, Australia, and Singapore. This demonstrates the surname's enduring legacy and widespread distribution across various nations and cultures, reflecting a rich tapestry of ancestry and heritage.
Chew Last Name History: Where did the last name Chew come from?
Origin of Chew Surname: Where does the last name Chew originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Chew first appeared in records from England around the early 15th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Chew spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Chew: What does the Chew surname history look like in the early days?
The Chew surname started growing significantly in England during the 15th century and continued to be prominent in the United States from the 17th to the 19th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Chew family records in other countries, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Chew surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Chew surname grew significantly in the United States. The Chew surname remains prominent in the United States. It also appears in many countries, including Canada, Australia, and Singapore.
Explore Chew last name heritage and Chew surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Chew Surame?
Robert F. Chew
Robert Francell Chew (Dec 28, 1960 – Jan 17, 2013) was an American acting coach and actor best known for his role as drug kingpin Proposition Joe on the HBO drama series The Wire. Chew's portrayal of the character drew acclaim for his ability to handle verbose dialogue while evoking sympathy for a "bad guy." He also appeared in HBO's The Corner and NBC's Homicide: Life on the Street. Chew's work with young actors on The Wire showcased his talent as an acting coach, helping them find their roles within themselves. His sudden passing at age 52 left a lasting impact on his colleagues and the Baltimore film and theater community.
Dennis Chew
Dennis Chew Chong Kheng (born Aug 15, 1973) is a versatile Singaporean entertainer known for his roles as a radio deejay, actor, variety show host, businessman, and singer. His standout performance as Aunty Lucy in the popular variety show "Paris and Milan" earned him widespread recognition and his first award at the Star Awards in 2010. Chew's ability to seamlessly transition between different roles and media platforms showcases his talent and adaptability in the entertainment industry. With a successful career spanning decades, Dennis Chew continues to captivate audiences with his charm and versatility.
Richard Chew
Richard Franklin Chew (June 28, 1940 - present) is an American film editor known for his award-winning work on iconic films like Star Wars (1977) and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975). With a career spanning over four decades, Chew has collaborated with renowned directors like George Lucas and Jack Nicholson. He has received accolades such as the Academy Award and British Oscars for his exceptional editing skills. Beyond his film work, Chew has also dedicated time to teaching and speaking engagements to share his passion for the cinema arts.
Benjamin Chew
Benjamin Chew (November 19, 1722 – January 20, 1810) was an American lawyer and judge known for his precision in legal arguments and his commitment to civil liberties. He served as chief justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and later the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Chew had a close friendship with George Washington and provided legal counsel to America's Founding Fathers during the creation of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. He represented the descendants of William Penn and was a prominent figure in Philadelphia's legal community for over six decades. Chew's legacy lives on through his contributions to American jurisprudence and his dedication to upholding the rule of law.
Geoffrey Chew
Geoffrey Foucar Chew (June 5, 1924 – April 12, 2019) was an American theoretical physicist known for his bootstrap theory of strong interactions. He was a professor at UC Berkeley, where he mentored future Nobel Prize winners like David Gross and John H. Schwarz. Chew's groundbreaking work in S-matrix theory and the bootstrap principle laid the foundation for string theory. His innovative approach to understanding particle interactions revolutionized the field of theoretical physics and left a lasting impact on the scientific community.
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