The name is believed to have come to England with William the Conqueror, the bearer being one of his soldiers. The family became prolific in Essex, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Norfolk. In the 17th century a member of the Suffolk branch from Wetheringsett travelled to Ireland and the family took root there. Has anyone bearing the name heard of an Irish connection? In all probability some Chinnerys' returned to England over the generations, as well as emigrating to Australia, New Zealand and the USA.