Last Name Capel

The surname Capel has multiple possible origins. One theory suggests that it is of English origin and derived from a place name, with Capel being found as a toponymic village name in Herefordshire, Kent, Norfolk, and Somerset in England. Another theory proposes a French origin, with the surname Capell or Capelle having been used in France for centuries. This surname is derived from the Old French word "capel" meaning "cape" or "cloak," which could have been used as a nickname for someone who wore a distinctive cloak or cape. It's also possible that some of the variations of this surname, such as Capelle (in Dutch) and Kapel (in German), are derived from the Old Norse word "kapr," meaning "cape" or "headland." The exact origin of the surname Capel may vary depending on specific family lines, so it's always a good idea to research individual branches of the family for more accurate information.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Capel

The meaning and origin of the last name Capel

The surname Capel is of Welsh origin, derived from the Welsh word "capeol," meaning 'dove' or 'pigeon.' It may also be a topographic name for someone who lived by a dovecote or pigeon house. In English-speaking countries, it has been anglicized to Capell, Caple, and other variations. The surname is most common in Wales but can also be found in England and other parts of the world due to migration and historical events such as the Norman Conquest when Welsh names were assimilated into English culture. Notable individuals with this surname include Sir John Capel, a 17th-century politician and courtier, and Thomas Capel, a Puritan leader during the English Civil War.

Geographical distribution of the last name Capel

The surname Capel is predominantly found in Wales and England, with significant concentrations in both countries due to its Welsh origins. In Wales, it is most prevalent in the south and west, particularly in counties like Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, and Ceredigion, where it may have originated from the town of Capel-y-Cymoedd in Glamorgan. In England, there are notable populations in areas with historical Welsh settlements, such as Cornwall and Shropshire. The name has also spread to other parts of the world due to migration, particularly to North America, where it can be found among descendants of Welsh immigrants, particularly in areas with strong Welsh communities like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and the Midwest.

Variants and spellings of the last name Capel

The surname Capel can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Here are some common forms:

1. Capell - an older English form, originating from the Norman-French "Capele".
2. Capele - a less common variant of the surname.
3. Kapel - A Dutch or German form of the surname.
4. Kapelle - Another spelling variation associated with Dutch and German origins.
5. Cappell, Capoile, Cayple, Kaypel - These variations may have resulted from phonetic alterations or dialectal influences within English-speaking regions.
6. De Capello - A Spanish form of the surname, meaning "of the cape" in Italian and Spanish.
7. Del Capello - Another Spanish variation with a similar meaning as the previous one.
8. Capello - An Italian form of the surname, meaning "little cape".

These variations reflect the global mobility of individuals bearing this name and the influence of local languages and customs on their surnames over time.

Famous people with the last name Capel

The Capel surname is associated with several notable figures throughout history. One prominent figure is Sir John Capel (1620-1660), an English Army officer and politician during the English Civil War, who served under Oliver Cromwell but later switched sides to support Charles II. Another significant figure is William Capel (1759-1831), an Anglican clergyman known as the "Apostle of North Wales," who worked tirelessly to promote education and evangelism in the region. In the world of sports, Peter Capell (born 1960) is a retired British racing driver who competed in Formula One from 1985 to 1987. Lastly, the English cricketer Ollie Pope (born 1997), who plays for Surrey and England, is another well-known Capel.

Genealogical research on the last name Capel

The Capel surname is of Welsh origin, derived from the place names Capel-y-ffin and Capel-y-cwm in Glamorgan, Wales. The name means "chapel" in Welsh. The first recorded instance of the Capel surname was John ap Maredudd ap Rhys Capell, who lived in the 16th century.

The Capel family has a significant historical presence in Wales and England. Sir William Capel (died 1528) served as Lord Chief Justice of Ireland under King Henry VIII. The Capels were also barons of Welshpool in Powys, Wales. In England, the Capel family played important roles during the Tudor and Stuart periods. Sir Richard Capel (1604-1673), a Royalist soldier during the English Civil War, was an influential figure.

The Capel surname has also spread to other parts of the world due to emigration, particularly to North America and Australia. Notable individuals with the Capel surname include Sir William Capell, 3rd Baronet (1620-1700), a Royalist soldier during the English Civil War; John Capel (1598-1644), an English politician who served as Member of Parliament for Dartmouth; and American artist Thomas Chambers Capel (1836-1915).

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Capel"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 9 August 2025

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