Find out how popular the first name Chenel has been for the last 33 years (from 1975 to 2007) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Chenel by gender

Based on the last 33 years of data, Chenel is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2007, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Chenel.

The history of the first name Chenel

The name Chenel originates from the French language and culture, with its earliest known usage dating back to the late 17th century. It is believed to be a diminutive form of the French name Chanel, which itself is derived from the Latin word "canna," meaning "reed" or "cane." This suggests that the name may have initially been associated with occupations or locations related to reed-gathering or cane-growing.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Chenel can be found in the archives of the city of Paris, where a woman named Marie Chenel was documented as living in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district in the early 1700s. While not much is known about her life, this record serves as an early example of the name's usage.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the name Chenel appeared sporadically in various French historical records and documents. Notable individuals bearing this name include Émilie Chenel (1804-1876), a French philanthropist and social reformer who established several educational institutions for underprivileged children in Paris.

In the realm of literature, the name Chenel was immortalized by the French author Honoré de Balzac in his novel "La Cousine Bette" (1846), where one of the characters is named Chenel. This literary reference contributed to the name's recognition and dissemination throughout the French-speaking world.

Moving into the 20th century, one of the most prominent figures associated with the name Chenel was the French film director and screenwriter Jacqueline Chenel (1920-2010). She was renowned for her work in the French New Wave cinema movement and directed several critically acclaimed films, including "La Femme et le Pantin" (1959) and "La Rivière Tenebreuse" (1973).

Another notable individual bearing the name Chenel was the French painter and sculptor Lucien Chenel (1902-1983), whose works were exhibited in various galleries and museums throughout France and Europe during his lifetime.

While the name Chenel may not be as common as some other French names, its rich history and cultural significance within the French tradition have solidified its place as a part of the country's onomastic heritage.

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 Chenel was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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