The name Chantal is a French feminine form of the Late Latin name Cantianus, which was derived from the Latin word cantus, meaning "song" or "singer". It originated in ancient Gaul, the region that is now modern-day France, and was likely first used as a given name during the early Middle Ages.

The name Chantal has its roots in the name of Saint Cantianus, a Christian martyr who was executed in Aquileia, an ancient Roman city located in what is now northeastern Italy, during the reign of Emperor Diocletian in the late 3rd or early 4th century AD. Saint Cantianus and his companions were venerated as early Christian martyrs, and their names became popular among the Christian faithful in the region.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Chantal can be found in the life of Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, a French Catholic nun and founder of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary, who lived from 1572 to 1641. She was a prominent figure in the Catholic Reformation and is known for her writings on spiritual life and her work in establishing schools and convents.

Another notable figure named Chantal was Chantal Akerman, a Belgian filmmaker, artist, and professor of filmmaking, who lived from 1950 to 2015. She was a pioneer of avant-garde and experimental cinema and her films explored themes of identity, gender, and the human condition.

Chantal Mouffe is a Belgian political theorist and professor who has made significant contributions to the field of political philosophy and democratic theory. She was born in 1943 and is known for her work on agonistic pluralism and radical democracy.

Chantal Kreviazuk is a Canadian singer-songwriter and pianist who was born in 1974. She is known for her folk-rock and adult contemporary music and has released several successful albums, including "Under These Rocks and Stones" and "Ghost Stories".

Chantal Petitclerc is a Canadian former wheelchair racer and senator who was born in 1970. She won numerous gold medals in Paralympic and World Championships and is considered one of the greatest Paralympic athletes in history.