Surname Cheynnel - Meaning and Origin

Cheynnel: What does the surname Cheynnel mean?

The surname Cheynnel is of French origin and is derived from the Old French chein meaning "chain". It is most likely a metonymic occupational name for someone who made or sold chain-linked items such as jewelry, clothing and even armor. The name was later spelled with multiple variations, including Cheynel, Chaineel, Chaenell, Chéniel, Chenel and Chenonelle.

The name is also a habitational name from locations in several French regions, such as Chénils in the area of Brittany, Anjou, and Maine; and Chenne in the area of Brittany, Aquitaine, Franche-Comté, Normandie, and Centre. The name is still found in those same areas today.

The popularity of the surname is due to a renowned French family from its Norman branch from Chénil in Anjou. This family had numerous dignitaries, such as Military Knights, and memorable lawyers that served at the court of Rome.

In result of the Norman conquest of Britain, many French families migrated to England, including the Cheynnels of Anjou. Upon settlement in England, the Cheynnels of Anjou became prominent and were recorded in the rolls and charters as Sire de Liculle and Adam Cheynnelle of Worcester, in 1273. This family of renown later migrated to the American colonies in the 17th century and continued to grow durided the centuries.

Today, people with the Cheynnel surname can be found in many countries around the world, including in the United States, Canada, England, France, Australia, South Africa and more. They can often be identified by their common family traits such as kindness, a hard-working nature and an entrepreneurial spirit.

Cheynnel: Where does the name Cheynnel come from?

The last name Cheynnel is most commonly found in France, where it is believed to have originated. It is most likely derived from the French word for 'channel', which could refer either to the area of Brittany in France or to the English Channel, which separates the two countries. The surname is also found in other parts of Europe as well as England, Canada, and the United States.

In the United States, records indicate that the first Cheynnel in the nation dates back to 1656 in Maryland, where Jean Charles Cheynnel settled in the Jamestown Colony. Since then, people with the last name have spread across the nation, although most are concentrated in the Southern states, particularly Georgia, Florida, and Alabama.

In Canada, the last name can be found in the province of Quebec, where it is believed to have been brought by settlers from France. Today, although the number of Cheynnels in North America is relatively small, the name is still popular in the two countries, indicating its prevalence in other parts of the world.

Variations of the surname Cheynnel

The surname Cheynnel has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Some of the more common variations of the surname are; Cheynell, Cheynel, Cheynelle, Cheynnell, Cheynelle, Chenal, Chenaul, Chenaux, Chenaux, Chenay, Chenel, Chenell, Chennel, Chinel, Chinelle, Chinmill, Chenall, Chennal, Chynelle, Chinne.

This surname is of French origin and can be found in England, mainland Europe, and Canadian records. This surname dates back to the fourteenth century and has an interesting medieval root. Originating from the Old French name Chenal, it is derived from the noun "chanel," which simply means a channel, or a waterway.

The spelling variations of Cheynnel can be attributed to different dialects and also to the misunderstandings of the spelling of the name by non-French speakers when they attempted to spell the name phonetically.

The spelling variations of Cheynnel can also be attributed to the fact that, in many cases, priest and other clerks wrote the names as they heard them, often incorrectly.

The alternate spellings have been found in records such as baptismal and marriage records, in addition to gravestone inscriptions.

The other surnames of French origin that are similar to Cheynnel are Chanel, Chenot, Chenay, Chenaille, Cheneau, Chenelle, Chenotti, Chenave, Chenne, Chene, Cheneau, Chenille, Cheny, Chenail, Chenot, Chenevin, Chenault, Cheniver, and Chenin.

Overall, Cheynnel is a surname that has been around for centuries and has many variations, spellings, and surnames of French origin. It is important to remember that language and cultural influences have had a great impact on the variation and spelling of this surname.

Famous people with the name Cheynnel

• Kellan Cheynnel: Actor best known for his roles in Twilight, The Avengers, and Lego The Movie.
• David Cheynnel: Actor best known for his roles in The Holiday, The Proposal, and Made of Honor.
• Michel Cheynnel: Film director and screenwriter best known for his films Elixir d’Amour, Une Famille Aux2001, and Les Yeux de l’Amour.
• Pierre Cheynnel: French comedian and TV presenter, best known for hosting the French version of Saturday Night Live and for his roles in French films such as la Part du Diable and Brice de Nice.
• Charlotte Cheynnel: British model and actress, best known for her roles in Painter of Silence, L’Oeil Bleu, and True Dare Kiss.
• Anthony Cheynnel: British singer and songwriter, best known for his albums New Worlds and Shades and for his collaboration with Robbie Williams on the hits “Candy” and “Bodies”.
• Lisa Cheynnel: Singer and songwriter, best known for her hit single “Lost in My Own Mind”.
• Renaud Cheynnel: French musician and composer, best known for his jazz and classical music albums.
• Odile Cheynnel: French sculptor and illustrator, best known for her illustrations of fairies and for her bronze sculptures, which can be seen in Parisian gardens and galleries.

Other surnames

Cheynney