Meaning:
Its source is an Old French expression meaning "Pipe."
Popularity:
The name Chanel ranked 941st in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of 2000-2003 Social Security Administration statistics and 1432nd in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.
Though this name has fluctuated in use, it has been quietly present throughout the last century.
Narrative:
This was the surname of the famous fashion designer Gabrielle ''Coco'' Chanel (1882-1971). Her name continues to brand a host of elegant fashion products, especially perfumes. However, judging from the meaning of her surname, it is possible she could have numbered a humble pipe fitter or manufacturer among her ancestors.