Chamberlain \ch(a)-mber-lain, chamb(e)-rlain\ as a boy's name is of Middle English origin, and the meaning of Chamberlain is "chief officer of the household". Occupational name. A chamberlain was an administrative post in a large royal or noble household. Actor Richard Chamberlain. Chamberlain has 3 variant forms: Chambellan, Chamberlin and Chambers. View a list of the 3 names that reference Chamberlain.