This is an English (chiefly West Country) nickname from the fish, (spelt 'chubbe' in Medieval English). The fish is noted for its voracious appetite, short, fat shape and sluggish habits. The nickname was originally given to someone having one or all of these qualities. As none of the descriptions are exactly complimentary it is surprising that the name has survived - but perhaps 12th century attitudes were different. In 1230, a William Chubbe or Chuppe is recorded in 'The Pipe Rolls of London'. An interesting name bearer was Charles Chubb (deceased 1845), a locksmith and iron monger who founded the firm of Chubb and Co., London. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Richard Chubbe which was dated 1180 the Pipe Rolls of Devon during the reign of King Henry 11 The Deceiver of the Irish 1154-1189 Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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