The surname Chapela is of Spanish origin and has roots in the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in Spain. It is derived from the occupational name for a maker or seller of hats, from the Latin word "capa" meaning "cloak," with the suffix "-el" added to indicate a profession. This surname was first found in Galicia and Castile regions of Spain, where it may have originated as a way to identify people who were involved in the same trade or occupation. The name eventually spread to other regions and countries due to migration, colonization, and religious conversions during the Middle Ages and the Age of Exploration.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Chapela
The meaning and origin of the last name Chapela
The surname Chapela is of Spanish origin, specifically from the Basque region in northern Spain and southwestern France. It derives from the word "txapela" or "chapela" in Basque language, which means 'small hat' or 'cap'. This name was often given to someone who wore a distinctive headgear or lived near a place where hats were made. The surname has been carried by numerous families over centuries and is still prevalent in the Basque Country as well as in regions with significant Basque immigration, such as Mexico and the United States. It's important to note that surnames didn't exist universally in feudal Spain until the late Middle Ages; they were a means of distinguishing people when population centers grew larger and more complex.
Geographical distribution of the last name Chapela
The Chapela surname is predominantly distributed in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly Mexico and Spain, due to their historical roots. According to familynamehistory.com, Chapela originates from the region of La Rioja, northern Spain, and was brought to Mexico by early Spanish settlers. It is among the most common surnames in Mexico, with a high concentration in the states of San Luis Potosí, Veracruz, Puebla, and Oaxaca. Additionally, small populations can be found in other Latin American countries such as Guatemala, Colombia, Peru, and Argentina. The Chapela name also appears in the United States, primarily among individuals or families of Mexican descent. Overall, the Chapela surname demonstrates a strong connection to Spain and Mexico, reflecting the historical migration patterns of Spanish settlers in the Americas.
Variants and spellings of the last name Chapela
The surname Chapela is primarily of Spanish origin and it has several variations in spelling due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription. These variations include Chapela, Chapelas, Chapell, Chapells, Chapelle, Chapelles, Chapel, Chapels, and potentially others based on personal preference or historical record-keeping practices. In English, the name could also be transliterated as Chapelah, Chapelas, Chapellas, Chapelass, Chapellae, among others. The name is most commonly pronounced with a stress on the first syllable (CHA-pe-la), but regional variations may exist. It's always important to remember that surnames can change over time due to factors such as migration, language shifts, and personal preference.
Famous people with the last name Chapela
Notable individuals with the surname Chapela include:
1. Francisco J. Chapela, a Mexican molecular biologist known for his research on genetically modified organisms and their potential impact on native ecosystems. He was involved in a controversy related to the genetic contamination of native maize by transgenic corn.
2. Jorge Ernesto Chapela Castillo, a Mexican politician who served as the Governor of Oaxaca from 1995 to 2000 and again from 2004 to 2010. He is a member of the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD).
3. Juan Chapela, a Salvadoran professional footballer who played as a forward. He represented El Salvador in international competitions, including the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
4. Carlos Chapela, a Spanish author and translator known for his work on Arabic literature. He has translated several works from Arabic to Spanish, including "The Thousand and One Nights" and "One Thousand and One Days".
5. Ricardo Chapela López, a Mexican politician who served as the Governor of Puebla from 2016 to 2021. He is a member of the National Action Party (PAN).
These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as science, politics, sports, and literature.
Genealogical research on the last name Chapela
The Chapela surname is of Basque origin, originating from the province of Biscay in Spain. It is derived from the toponym "Chapela," which means 'chapel' or 'small church.' The earliest known bearer of this name was Juan Sanchez de Chapela, who lived during the 15th century. The Chapela family migrated to Mexico during the Spanish colonization, where they settled in various regions such as Guadalajara, Oaxaca, and Puebla. In Mexico, the name has become widely distributed due to intermarriages with native populations and subsequent migrations throughout the country. The Chapela surname is also found in other countries with significant Spanish-speaking populations like Argentina, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. Today, the Chapelas are found all over the world, maintaining their Basque roots while adapting to new cultures.
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.
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