This page needs Javascript enabled in order to work properly. Click here for instructions on how to enable it in your browser.
Surname Header Image
Get access to Chiness family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Chiness Family History

Chiness Surname Meaning

Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, and even physical characteristics (like red hair). Many of the modern surnames in the dictionary can be traced back to Britain and Ireland.


Similar surnames: Hines, Chiesa, Chianese, Caines, Chinen, Clines, Chivers, Thiess

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Chiness family from?

You can see how Chiness families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Chiness family name was found in Scotland between 1841 and 1891. The most Chiness families were found in and Scotland in 1841. In 1841 there were 11 Chiness families living in Shetland. This was about 92% of all the recorded Chiness's in Scotland. Shetland had the highest population of Chiness families in 1841.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Chiness surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
  • 1841
  • 1871
  • 1891
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What Chiness family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 43 census records available for the last name Chiness. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Chiness census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Chiness

Passenger Lists

There are 24 immigration records available for the last name Chiness. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Chiness immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 6 military records available for the last name Chiness. For the veterans among your Chiness ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Chiness military records

You've only scratched the surface of Chiness family history

Discover More

What is the average Chiness lifespan?

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Chiness ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Chiness

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Chiness family tree

Explore Your Tree
Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial