Declining since 1985, #4,396 for boys today.
Popularity of Chauncey since 1880
Babies named Chauncey per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1981, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Chauncey's real moment was 1890.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 253 |
| 1890s | 261 |
| 1900s | 178 |
| 1910s | 548 |
| 1920s | 682 |
| 1930s | 492 |
| 1940s | 393 |
| 1950s | 611 |
| 1960s | 738 |
| 1970s | 1,086 |
| 1980s | 1,410 |
| 1990s | 1,159 |
| 2000s | 1,061 |
| 2010s | 611 |
| 2020s | 202 |
Meaning & origin
Chauncey enjoyed its greatest popularity in the 1890s, peaking in 1890. Since 1985, its usage has declined steadily. In 2025, the name ranked 4,396th, a far cry from its 19th-century heyday. Its status as a 1-in-74,264 name means it is now quite uncommon for newborns. Despite its rarity, the name retains a distinguished air, evoking the formal title of 'chancellor'. Historically, Chauncey was a staple of the American upper class, adding to its vintage charm.
Chauncey is believed to have originated as a nickname for a chancellor, from the Old French 'chancelier', meaning 'keeper of the records' and later 'chancellor'. The name was first recorded in England in the 13th century and was brought to America by early settlers. It saw peak usage in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Where Chauncey is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Chan, Chance, Chaunce
Sibling names for Chauncey
Names that share Chauncey's style, for a brother or sister.
