Declining since 1990, #7,491 for girls today.
Popularity of Chantel since 1957
Babies named Chantel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 11 |
| 1960s | 626 |
| 1970s | 2,672 |
| 1980s | 4,599 |
| 1990s | 5,175 |
| 2000s | 1,402 |
| 2010s | 374 |
| 2020s | 127 |
Meaning & origin
Chantel is a modern English spelling variant of the French name Chantal. It first appeared on the U.S. charts in 1957, and experienced a modest peak in popularity in 1990, when it was given to more newborns than in any other year. Since then, its usage has steadily declined, reflecting a broader trend away from similar-sounding names. At latest count in 2025, the name ranked 7,491 with a frequency of 1 in 114,805 births. While it has never been among the most popular names nationwide and has no top-state concentrations, it has remained in consistent if diminishing use. Its trajectory since 1990 places it among names that were fashionable in the late 20th century and have since receded, offering a distinctive but familiar sound for parents seeking an uncommon variant of a classic.
Chantel is primarily an English spelling variant of the French name Chantal. The name Chantal is derived from a place name in France, ultimately from the Old Occitan word 'cantal' meaning 'stone' or 'boulder.' Saint Jeanne de Chantal, a 16th-century French nun and co-founder of the Order of the Visitation, popularized the name. The variant Chantel emerged in English-speaking countries in the mid-20th century, likely influenced by similar-sounding names like Chanel.
Where Chantel is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Channy, Chantie, Ella
Sibling names for Chantel
Names that share Chantel's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Chantel
Names whose popularity has moved with Chantel's over the last 50 years.
