Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Chester
BoyEnglish, Latin· “fortified camp; from an English place”
- Meaning
- fortified camp; from an English place
- Origin
- English, Latin
- Pronunciation
- CHEHS-tur
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,588
- US babies 2025
- 107
- Best rank
- #53 (1919)
- Peak year
- 1920
Meaning and origin of Chester
Chester is an English and Latin name that means “fortified camp; from an English place”.
Chester began as the name of the old Roman city in northwest England, from Latin castra, meaning a fortified military camp. The place name became a surname and then a given name, and it was especially well used in the United States around the turn of the twentieth century. Chester A. Arthur, the twenty-first American president, is its most prominent historical bearer. Pronounced CHEHS-tur, it has the friendly, slightly old-fashioned feel of Walter and Arthur, and it is now drawing interest from parents who like vintage names. Chet is the classic nickname, and Chaz or Chess are playful alternatives.
Popularity over time
Chester has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 116 different years. Its best national rank was #53 in 1919, and the most babies received it in 1920, when 3,698 were named Chester. In 2025, 107 babies were named Chester, and it ranked #1,588 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #55 in 1920, #169 in 1950, #446 in 1980, #1,228 in 2000, #1,913 in 2010, and #1,588 in 2025. Of the 121,474 US boys named Chester since records began, 23% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 23,500 babies. Since 2010, 1,406 more have been named Chester.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Herman, Vernon, Clyde, Lewis, and Milton.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Chester ranked highest in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | #490 | 10 |
| Pennsylvania | #864 | 9 |
| Ohio | #1035 | 7 |
| Michigan | #1139 | 5 |
| California | #1371 | 13 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Chester is usually pronounced CHEHS-tur, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with C and ends in “-er”.
Middle names for Chester
A few middle names that flow with Chester: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Chester
Similar names
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Lists that include Chester
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Chester mean?
Chester is an English and Latin name that means “fortified camp; from an English place”.
What is the origin of the name Chester?
Chester has English and Latin roots. Chester began as the name of the old Roman city in northwest England, from Latin castra, meaning a fortified military camp.
Is Chester a popular name?
Not especially. Chester ranked #1,588 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Chester a boy or girl name?
Chester is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Chester?
Chester is usually pronounced CHEHS-tur. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings