Chamberlain Family History

English: status name from Old French chambrelain Norman French cambrelanc cambrelen(c) ‘chamberlain’ (of ancient Germanic origin from kamer ‘chamber room’ Latin camera (see Chambers) + the diminutive suffix -(l)ing).

This was originally the name of an official in charge of the private chambers of his master but is so widespread in late medieval England that it must sometimes have been used of people of more ordinary status.

Perhaps it served as a nickname for an officious or self-important person or for someone who played the role of chamberlain in a folk play tableau or ceremony.

Compare Chancellor for a possible similar usage.