Surname Chappelle - Meaning and Origin
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Chappelle: What does the surname Chappelle mean?
The last name Chappelle is of French origin and it translates to "chapel" in English. This surname was initially given to individuals who lived near a chapel or worked within a chapel in their respective communities during medieval times in France. It is also sometimes linked to the Old French word "chapelier" denoting a hat maker. The spelling variations of this surname include Chapelle, Chapell, Chapeau, and many more, throughout history. Notable people with the surname include Dave Chappelle, the famous American stand-up comedian, actor, and writer.
Order DNA origin analysisChappelle: Where does the name Chappelle come from?
The surname Chappelle is of French origin, derived from the Old French word 'chapel', which means 'chapel'. The name started being used in the Middle Ages and was typically given to individuals who lived near a chapel or who worked in a chapel. Therefore, it is an example of a "toponymic" surname, which is a type of surname based on a geographical location. Like other surnames that started as nicknames based on a person’s residency, this surname was probably first borne by an individual who lived in or near a chapel.
Today, the surname Chappelle is found predominately in the United States, due to instances of large French immigration in the past. The name is fairly widespread in the country but is more common in some states than others. The surname has gained some recognition due to American stand-up comedian and actor Dave Chappelle. Although the name is French in origin, it is not common in modern France. The surname can also be found, although less commonly, in other English-speaking countries.
Variations of the surname Chappelle
Chappelle is a French-originated surname. It is derived from the Old French word 'Chapelle', meaning a chapel. Similar to many other surnames, its variations occur because of different regional accents and how people spelled it over the centuries. Some alternate spellings for Chappelle include Chapelle, Chappel, Chapel, and Chappell.
Some elaborations of the name, influenced by different historical periods and regions can be seen in the forms of LaChapelle, De la Chapelle, and DeChapelle. These denote phrases like "of the chapel" or "from the chapel." In Spain, Capilla is a common surname variant as Spanish and French share Latin roots.
The surname Chappell is more common in English-speaking regions like the UK and the USA. Some Chappelle families have actually Anglicized their surnames to Chappell to fit in better in English-speaking societies. Similarly, Chapple, Chapel, and Chepelle are other variations reflecting phonetic spellings.
Another related variant could be the surname Capel, used more commonly in English-speaking regions and bearing the same origin. Lastly, Kapelle, being used in German-speaking countries, also has the same meaning but a different spelling owing to the language difference.
Famous people with the name Chappelle
- Dave Chappelle: Best known for "Chappelle's Show," Dave Chappelle is a stand-up comedian, actor, and producer. He is considered one of the greatest comedians of all time. His stand-up comedy combines commentary on race, popular culture, politics, and religion.
- William D. Chappelle: A well-known African-American bishop who served in the A.M.E Church and was the founder of Allen University. He was also civil rights activist during the late 19th and early 20th century.
- Elizabeth Chappelle: A notable multimedia artist known primarily for her work in ceramics, but also works in glass, metal, and making jewelry.
- Patrice Chappelle: She is the ex-wife of Dave Chappelle and an active supporter of philanthropic causes. She has largely kept a low public profile but is known for her community work.
- Sanaa Chappelle, Ibrahim Chappelle, and Sulayman Chappelle: They are known as the children of famous comedian Dave Chappelle. Sanaa and Sulayman have appeared in public events with their father, gaining some recognition.
- Elaine Chappelle: Known primarily as the wife of comedian Dave Chappelle, Elaine has, over the years, gained public recognition being frequently seen alongside her husband on various occasions.