Surname Chappell - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling Ancestry with iGENEA DNA Test: A Chappell's Tale

Following a curiosity about one's ancestry can lead to interesting revelations. This iGENEA DNA test review encapsulates a joyful journey of delving into genetic lineage. From tracing back ancestral paths to discovering an extended family with the surname ‘Chappell’, find out how the DNA test changed the narrator's world.

P. Chappell

Chappell: What does the surname Chappell mean?

The surname Chappell is of Old French origin, derived from the word "chapel" which means chapel. It was originally given as a topographic name for someone who lived near a particular chapel, or as an occupational name for someone who worked in one. Furthermore, it could also be a habitational name from any of the numerous places named with this word. The surname's usage dates back to medieval times in England, after being introduced following the Norman Conquest in 1066. Variations in the name include 'Chapel', 'Chapell', 'Chapple', and more. The term 'chapel' itself comes from the Late Latin word 'cappella', which originally referred to a cloak. It came to mean a chapel in the religious sense because many chapels contained a relic, often notably the cloak of St. Martin of Tours.

Chappell: Where does the name Chappell come from?

The surname Chappell is of Anglo-Saxon origin, primarily derived from the Old English 'ceap', meaning 'market', and 'hyll', meaning 'hill', indicating that early ancestors lived near a market hill. It was initially used as a geographical indicator or a locational surname. Another possible origin is from the Old French 'chapel', adopted by England after the Norman Conquest and given to individuals living near or working at a chapel.

The surname spread widely across England and Scotland, particularly in North Yorkshire, Lancashire, Staffordshire, and Lancashire in England, as well as Roxburghshire and Aberdeen in Scotland. Due to historical migration, especially during periods of colonization, the name can also be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Today, it remains common in the United Kingdom, with a slightly higher concentration in England. It is also fairly populous in the United States, according to surname distribution data. Despite its spread, the surname Chappell still hearkens back to its roots in the rolling hills and old chapels of medieval England and Scotland.

Variations of the surname Chappell

The surname Chappell is of Anglo-French origin, signifying a person who lived or worked near a chapel. Alternate spellings of this surname include Chapell, Chapel, Chapple, Chappelle, and Chappel. As is the case with many surnames, the spelling variations generally come from different branches of the family, or when families migrate to different regions or countries where different languages or dialects are spoken. Chappelle, for example, is a variant spelling found in French-speaking regions, while Chapple is more prominent in English-speaking ones. The use of a double 'l' (such as in Chappell or Chappelle) can also be seen in regions where French influence was stronger.

The surnames Capel, Cappel and Capell can also be related, particularly if they originate from regions near to where the Chappell family lived. Similarly, the surnames Chaplin and Chaplain have similar origins, as in some regions these terms were used interchangeably with chapel. However, Chaplin and Chaplain typically mean "clergyman" and aren't as closely related to Chappell as the other variations.

Finally, while not as common, Chaipel, Shapell, and Schappell are potential version seen in German-speaking regions.

Famous people with the name Chappell

• Dave Chappelle: An American stand-up comedian, actor, and writer who is best known for his satirical comedy sketch series "Chappelle's Show."
• Laura Chappell: An American author and educator specializing in protocol analysis.
• William Chappell: A British dancer, ballet designer, and director known for his contributions to 20th-century ballet.
• Lizan Mitchell: She is also known as Lizan Chappell, a renowned African-American actress famous for her theatrical performances.
• Greg Chappell: A retired Australian cricketer who captained Australia between 1975 and 1977 and later served as a coach.
• Trevor Chappell: Brother of Greg Chappell, he is also a former Australian cricketer who played for the national team.
• Ian Chappell: Another Australian former cricketer and commentator, who captained the Australian team between 1971 and 1975, also brother of Greg and Trevor Chappell.
• Tanya Chappell: A noted English dancer and ballet teacher.
• Mike Chappell: An American former professional basketball player.
• Mark Chappell: An English songwriter, record producer, musician, and singer, best known as a member of the synthpop band Landscape.
• Ben Chappell: An American video director and music video producer.
• Rebecca Chappell: An American ceramic artist.

Other surnames

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