Chandler is a name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the surname Chandler, which was originally an occupational name given to people who made and sold candles or were candle makers. The term "chandle" comes from the Old English word "candle", meaning "white stick" or "long white rod".
The name Chandler has no specific meaning beyond its occupational origin. However, it has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous Chandlers is Sir William Chandler, a prominent British politician and lawyer who served as the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the late 19th century.
In popular culture, the name Chandler has been brought into the spotlight by characters such as Chandler Bing from the hit American sitcom "Friends". However, it is important to note that this character's personality traits and experiences are not representative of all people named Chandler.
Despite its recent rise in popularity, the name Chandler has a long history dating back to medieval England. It was first recorded as a given name in the 14th century, although it remained more common as a surname until the 20th century. Today, Chandler is typically considered a masculine name, but it can also be used for girls.
In terms of its popularity, Chandler has been consistently ranked among the top 500 names for boys in the United States since the 1990s. It peaked at number 86 in 2003 before declining slightly in recent years. However, it remains a popular choice for parents looking for a unique and distinctive name with a rich history. Overall, Chandler is an attractive option for those seeking a name that combines charm, character, and historical significance.
The name Chandler has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past century in the United States. Between 1900 and 1940, the number of births with the name Chandler fluctuated between 5 and 32 per year. However, starting from 1967, there was a notable increase in its popularity, with 50 births recorded that year.
The trend continued to rise throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, reaching a peak of 83 births in 1969. Although there were some fluctuations in the following decades, the name Chandler maintained a steady level of popularity, with between 45 and 2395 births per year from 1974 to 1999.
The late 1990s marked another significant peak for the name Chandler, with over 2000 births recorded each year from 1995 to 1999. However, since then, its popularity has decreased considerably, dropping below 500 births per year after 2006 and reaching an all-time low of 388 births in 2023.
In total, over the past century, there have been 35791 babies named Chandler born in the United States. Despite its fluctuating popularity, Chandler remains a distinctive and recognizable name with a rich history.