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 Chén family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Chén Family History

Chén 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: Han, Chon, Shan, Chen, Shen, Chin, Khan, Thun, Shin, Ahn

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

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Chén family from?

Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Chén surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
Family Insights Distribution Map
Sorry, we couldn't find geographic distribution information for Chén.

Search for another surname

Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What Chén family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 3,000 census records available for the last name Chén. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Chén census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search Canadian census records for Chén

Passenger Lists

There are 642 immigration records available for the last name Chén. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in Canada, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Chén immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 1,000 military records available for the last name Chén. For the veterans among your Chén ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Chén military records

You've only scratched the surface of Chén family history

Discover More

What is the average Chén lifespan?

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Chén 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 Chén

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Chén family tree

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