Find out how popular the first name Chapin has been for the last 39 years (from 1977 to 2015) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Chapin by gender

Based on the last 39 years of data, Chapin is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 83% of people named Chapin being male.

For the most recent data in 2015, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Chapin.

The history of the first name Chapin

The name Chapin has its origins in the ancient French language, with roots tracing back to the medieval era. Derived from the Old French word "chapel," which means "little cloak" or "cape," the name Chapin initially referred to individuals who crafted or sold such garments. This connection to skilled tradespeople may have contributed to the name's prevalence among the working classes of France during the Middle Ages.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Chapin can be found in the 13th-century French epic poem "La Chanson de Roland," where a character named Chapin is mentioned as a valiant knight. This literary reference suggests that the name had already gained a degree of recognition and respect by that time.

In the 14th century, a notable figure named Chapin Vitry (c. 1285 - c. 1361) emerged as a prominent French composer and music theorist. His influential treatise "Ars Nova" played a crucial role in the development of Western music notation and theory, cementing his place in the annals of musical history.

During the Renaissance period, the name Chapin gained further prominence with the rise of the Chapin family, a prominent French dynasty that produced several notable figures. One such figure was René Chapin (1512 - 1579), a skilled diplomat and ambassador who served under King Henry II of France.

Moving into the 17th century, the name Chapin found its way across the Atlantic to the Americas. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name in North America was Chapin Higgins (1614 - 1672), a Puritan settler who arrived in Massachusetts and became a prominent landowner and community leader in the colonial era.

As the centuries progressed, the name Chapin continued to be associated with influential individuals. In the 19th century, Chapin Harris (1806 - 1890) made a significant impact as an American Baptist minister and abolitionist, playing a pivotal role in the anti-slavery movement.

Another notable figure bearing the name Chapin was Joseph Chapline (1828 - 1891), a renowned American Civil War general who fought for the Union Army and later served as a United States Congressman representing Missouri.

Throughout its rich history, the name Chapin has been carried by a diverse array of individuals, from valiant knights and skilled musicians to influential political and military leaders. While its origins can be traced back to the medieval French working class, the name has transcended its humble beginnings and become a part of the tapestry of human history.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Chapin was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Chapin, please contact us.

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