Chandler

Chandler is a surname and masculine given name of English origin. It derives from the occupation of making or selling candles; the term comes from the Old French chandelle, candle, and entered English in the medieval period as a name for a tradesman. As a surname, Chandler was adopted by families whose forebears practiced the candle trade and later passed to subsequent generations.

As a given name, Chandler has been used in the United States and other English-speaking countries since the 19th–20th centuries. Notable bearers include the professional basketball player Chandler Parsons and the fictional character Chandler Bing from the television series Friends, the latter helping popularize the given name in popular culture.

There are several places named Chandler in the United States; the best known is Chandler, Arizona, a city in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Other communities named Chandler exist in Oklahoma and in various states, typically as small towns or unincorporated settlements.

In addition to its use as a name, Chandler remains a historical descriptor for candle-makers and candle merchants. The name appears in literature, genealogy, and on various public and private institutions, reflecting its long-standing association with the candle trade.