Chittenden

Chittenden is a surname of English origin that is used in geographic names and in reference to individuals. The most prominent use is Chittenden County, located in northwestern Vermont, United States. The county is named for Thomas Chittenden, an 18th‑century political leader who helped organize Vermont’s governance and served as the first governor of Vermont, including during the period of the Vermont Republic and after statehood. Chittenden County contains a number of municipalities, including Burlington, Colchester, Essex, Winooski, Shelburne, and South Burlington, among others. Burlington, situated on Lake Champlain, is the county seat and largest city. The county is among the more populous regions in Vermont and supports a diversified economy that includes education, healthcare, technology, and tourism.

Chittenden also exists as a surname. The most notable bearer is Thomas Chittenden (c. 1730–1797), whose leadership helped shape early Vermont governance and who is recognized as the first governor of the state. The Chittenden name appears in historical records related to land development, politics, and civic institutions in the Vermont region and among his descendants.

Beyond Vermont, the name Chittenden appears in occasional place names and family lineages in the broader United States, reflecting the historical influence of the Chittenden family in the northeastern United States. The term thus functions as both a family name and a geographic designation tied closely to Vermont’s early state history.