Meaning: Its source is an Old French expression meaning "Pipe."

Alternative Spellings: Chanele, Chanell, Chanelle, Channell, Channelle, Shanel, Shanell, Shanelle and Shannelle

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.