Surname Caple - Meaning and Origin
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Caple: What does the surname Caple mean?
The surname Caple originates from England and is believed to be of topographic origin, derived from the Old English words 'capel' or 'chapel', referring to a location or building associated with the church. In the Middle Ages, it was common to name people after places, landmarks or geographical features. Therefore, the Caple surname likely belonged to individuals living near or working in a chapel. This surname may also be locational, referring to someone from towns named Caple in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Different variations of spelling for this surname include Capel, Cappel, and Kapel. Like many surnames, the exact origin and meaning of Caple can be subject to debate and may differ slightly depending on the family line. However, the consensus is that it is of English origin and relates to a chapel or a place named Caple.
Order DNA origin analysisCaple: Where does the name Caple come from?
The surname Caple is of English origin. It is derived from Old English 'Capel', meaning 'Chapel', and was traditionally given to individuals residing near a chapel or who worked in a chapel. It is most likely a topographic surname, referring to a geographic feature or location near to where the initial bearer lived or worked.
The surname Caple is not especially common today but is most frequently found in England, specifically in the regions of Herefordshire and Worcestershire where there are towns named Upper and Lower Caple. The name can also be found in the United States, Australia, and Canada, likely due to migration from England in past centuries. There may be variations in spelling of the surname due to regional dialects and the evolution of language over time, which include Capel, Cappel, Capell, and Capple. But despite these variations, the original meaning and derivation of the surname remain tied to the Old English 'Capel'.
Variations of the surname Caple
The surname Caple can have several variations, alternative spellings, and related surnames, due to its roots in Old English and Norman French.
Varied spellings may include Capel, Cappel, Capell, Capelle, Kaple, and Caples. Sometimes, it could also be spelled as Capell, Kaipel or Kapple, depending on the phonetic interpretation in different regions. People often spelled their names as they sounded in the centuries before dictionaries standardized spelling.
There can also be surname variants representing patronymics (derived from a father's name) or metronymics (originating from a mother's name) or geographical based on where individuals lived or came from.
In terms of surnames with similar origins, names such as Caplin, Caplan, and Cappleman can be considered. These surnames are said to have the same or similar etymological origins, typically tracing back to an occupation, topographical feature, or another aspect of the medieval world.
It's important to note that spelling variations could also be due to clerical errors in official documents, the adoption of spouses' or mothers' names, or migration to different countries and languages. The variety is a testament to the rich history behind these surnames.
Famous people with the name Caple
- James Caple: An adventurer and environmentalist, known for being the first person to cross the North Atlantic Ocean solo in a rowing boat.
- Courtney Caple: A former professional footballer who played in the English Football League for clubs such as Newport County and Scarborough.
- Ron Caple: A former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the team, Philadelphia Phillies.
- John Caple: A celebrated artist and author renowned for his painting and writings depicting the rural life and landscapes of western England.
- Cara Caple: A stylist and fashion designer known for her eclectic and bold designs.
- Chris Caple: A well-known archaeologist and academic, who has published extensively on the history and archeology of the British Isles.
- Marion Caple: An accomplished opera singer, who has performed in major theaters and opera houses around the world.
- Bill Caple: A decorated war veteran and retired army general, known for his leadership during the Vietnam War.
- David Caple: A prominent environmental health scientist, who specializes in occupational health and safety. All of these individuals are not necessarily globally famous, but have gained significant recognition in their respective fields.