Chetwode (surname)

Chetwode is a surname of English origin. It is a locational name, derived from the place name Chetwode in Buckinghamshire.

Origin and Meaning:

The placename Chetwode is believed to derive from the Old English words "ċēat" meaning "wood" or "forest" and "wudu" also meaning "wood," essentially meaning "wood wood." A more nuanced interpretation suggests "ċēat" could refer to a wildcat, rendering the name "wood frequented by wildcats."

Distribution:

While originating in Buckinghamshire, the surname Chetwode is found predominantly in England, with smaller concentrations in other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Notable People with the Surname:

• Philip Chetwode, 1st Baron Chetwode: (1869-1950), a British field marshal during World War I and Commander-in-Chief, India.
• Sir Philip Chetwode, 7th Baronet: (1937-2023), a British baronet and landowner.

Heraldry:

The Chetwode family has a coat of arms, which varies depending on the specific branch of the family. Common elements include a shield with charges such as eagles or lions.