Introduction
The genealogy of any Chitty or Clendon can be accessed using this link and then typing in the name in the boxes provided. There are then various options for presenting the information in a menu at the top,
The first 4 reports are all very useful particularly the relationship one since it not only shows the relationship but the intermediate steps/people.
Origin of Name
It is not at all clear how and where the name originated. Suggestions include:
According to Manning’s “Surrey,” Chitty was a common name in Godalming in the 17th and 18th centuries. In Sussex it was represented as far back as the reign of James I. by Henry Chitty, who rented from Lord Berkeley the extensive demesnes of the manor of Bosham (D.).
— Homes of Family Names in Great Britain (1890) by Henry Brougham Guppy
From Chittoe; a location name. near Cheltenham. Comp. from the Dutch, Chits; a personal name.
Chit, a Saxon tenant in the Domesday Book.
Derivative of Chiltley, once of the five ancient manors of Hampshire – Rev W W Capes in Scenes of Rural Life in Hampshire
As Chitty, Clendon and Edwards comment, this is at least in the right part of England. They go on to say “Whether of not Chiltley is the cradle of the family, Godalming, Surrey, was certainly its most successful nursery…In 1371 Thomas and Alice Cheteye acquire 25 acres in Eashing in the Manor of Godalming.”
Family founder
The originator couple of the family which is the centre of this website have been seen as John Chitty alisas Bocher (1500-1549) and Joan Peyton(1490-1553). This is picked up on the Chittys of Godalming page.