US Popularity Rank: 2204

Origin: French

Meaning: water pipe, canal

Chanel is a French girl’s name that comes from the Latin word canalis, meaning channel. It also means “water pipe” and “canal.” While Chanel is primarily used as a surname in France, it spiked in popularity as a given name in the 1970s, shortly after the death of legendary fashion and perfume designer Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. It has since been used as a feminine first name and is a trés chic choice for baby.