Chandler is a unique and distinctive male given name of English origin. Its meaning is derived from the occupation of candle maker or seller. The name comes from the Middle English word 'chandeler', which itself originates from the Old Northern French word 'chandeleur'. This term referred to both the seller and the candles themselves.
The name Chandler has a long history dating back to medieval times in England. It was commonly used as an occupational surname for those who made or sold candles. In some cases, it may have also referred to someone who worked with wax or engaged in other related trades such as soap making or tallow chandling.
Over time, Chandler transitioned from a surname to being used exclusively as a given name. This shift occurred primarily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when many families began adopting occupational surnames as first names for their children. Today, Chandler remains relatively rare but continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its unique history and sound.
In popular culture, perhaps one of the most well-known bearers of this name is Chandler Bing from the American television sitcom "Friends" (1994-2004). However, it's essential not to confuse the popularity of the character with the actual frequency of use of the name itself. Despite its limited usage in recent decades, Chandler continues to hold an intriguing allure for those seeking a distinctive and meaningful moniker for their child.
The name Chandler has a fascinating history of popularity over the past few decades in the United States. According to statistics from the Social Security Administration, the name Chandler first began to gain traction in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
In 1982, there were only 18 births with the name Chandler, but just one year later, that number doubled to 36 births. This upward trend continued throughout the decade, reaching a peak of 437 births in 1992 and 733 births in 1993.
However, like many trends, the popularity of the name Chandler was not sustained at these high levels. After 1995, the number of births with this name began to decline steadily, reaching a low point of 100 births in 2009.
Despite this initial decline, Chandler has remained a relatively popular name in recent years. Since 2013, there have been at least 161 births per year with the name Chandler, and in 2023, it is estimated that there will be around 296 births with this name.
Overall, the statistics show that Chandler has experienced periods of significant popularity, particularly during the late 1980s and early to mid-1990s. While its popularity has declined since then, Chandler remains a commonly chosen name for newborn boys in the United States today, with over 2,960 births total since records began in 1962.