Surname Chappee - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'C'
Chappee: What does the surname Chappee mean?
The surname "Chappee" does not have a clearly defined meaning as it is relatively rare and potentially stems from a regional or personal variation. Its origins could be French, and it might be a variant of "Chappé," referring to individuals living near a chapel or working in one. Alternatively, it might refer to a hat maker in Old French ("chape" means "hat"), designating a person’s occupation. However, the exact meaning isn't certain without a detailed genealogical study tracing its usage and evolution. There is a historical link to the name in French engineer Claude Chappe (1763–1805), who invented a visual telegraph system. Therefore, anyone bearing the "Chappee" surname might potentially trace their lineage back to him or his relatives, although not necessarily. The name's meaning might be personal to a family and may have evolved independently, hence the importance of personal genealogical research to determine its individual significance.
Order DNA origin analysisChappee: Where does the name Chappee come from?
The name Chappee is most common in France today, where it has been present since the Middle Ages. An occupational name, Chappee derives from the French words “chapeau” (hat) and “chapeler” (hatter). The name first appears in Normandy as “le Chapelet”.
The modern-day spelling of Chappee is also attributed to this French origin. It has since become a prominent and common surname throughout the French countryside. The notable bearer of this name include the fashion designer and entrepreneur, Pierre Chappee. He is the founder of Chappee, a company which produces boilers and heating equipment.
The Chappee surname is also found in other countries throughout Europe. In Belgium and Holland, the Chappee surname is derived from the Dutch word for “hedge”, which suggests an occupational origin of a fence builder.
In the United States, the Chappee surname is found among immigrants from Europe, most notably France and Belgium. Early settlers of the American colonies included French Huguenots, paying homage to their European roots by keeping the Chappee surname.
Today, the Chappee surname is most commonly found in France, particularly in Paris and the northern cities of the country. It is also found in other European countries, the United States, and Canada.
Variations of the surname Chappee
The surname Chappee has many variants and spellings, including:
Chappée, Chappeau, Chappee, Chappel, Chappell, Chapple, Chappell, Chappill, Chappy, Chaps, Chapss, Chappy, Chappe, Chappelle, Chapelle and Chapaille.
The surname Chappee is believed to be of French origin. It is thought to have originated as an occupational name for a tin-roof maker or workplace manager, originating from the Old French term ‘chapelier’ and later ‘chapeller’, derived from ‘chapel’, a roofing tile.
It is possible that the Chappee surname could be a diminutive form of the surname ‘Chappel’, also of French origin, and also from the same root, referring to a tiler or roofer.
Chappee is a popular surname across France, with individuals bearing the surname living in Paris and other regions. The surname is also common in the United States, particularly in California, and Canada, particularly in Quebec.
Within the United States there are currently 10,361 people with the Chappee surname, with over 60% living in California. There are also over 700 people with the Chappee surname in Canada, with the majority living in Quebec.
The Chappee surname is also present in the United Kingdom, with over 1000 people bearing the surname, mainly living in England.
Famous people with the name Chappee
- Gerard Chappee: a French politician and Minister of Transport, Tourism and the Sea from 2018–2020.
- Jeffery Chappee: an American actor who starred in How To Get Away With Murder, Outsiders and Black Mirror.
- Vittorio Chappee: an Italian fashion designer who is best known for his work in the late 20th century.
- Brian Chappee: an American soccer player who currently plays for the Orlando City SC in the Major League Soccer.
- Dorothy Chappee: a Canadian artist and sculptor.
- Aretha Chappee: a British actress, writer and comedian.
- Percy Chappee: a former French-Canadian professional ice hockey player.
- Lionel Chappee: a French resistance fighter who fought during World War II.
- Reuben Chappee: an American lawyer and politician who served as the first mayor of Texarkana, Arkansas.
- Everett Chappee: an American constitutional scholar and professor of law.