This family probably originated in Quesnai, Normandy. In England the name was originally spelt de Chesney or de Chasney, being 'latinised' as de Caisneto, and later Cheyney or Cheney. In Scotland the name was commonly spelt Chen from the early 14th century and Cheyne from about 1600. Its progenitor, who came to England at the time of or shortly after the Conquest, was Ralf.