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

Popularity: The name Shanel ranked 3767th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

Though this name appears on the 1990 U.S. Census lists, it is used by only a small percentage of the general population.

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.