Capel

Capel is a surname of English and Welsh origin. It is believed to derive from the given name 'Chapel', which itself is a diminutive of 'Geoffrey'. Alternatively, it may have originated as a topographical or habitational name, referring to someone who lived near a chapel. The surname is found in various spellings throughout history, including Capell and Capel.

In terms of notable individuals, Arthur Capel, 1st Earl of Essex, was a prominent English nobleman and politician in the 17th century. He played a significant role during the English Civil War and the subsequent Restoration period. Another notable figure is James Capel, a British financier and entrepreneur who founded the firm James Capel & Co., a major stockbroking company. The surname also appears in geographical locations. Capel is a village and civil parish in Surrey, England, located to the west of Dorking. This village has a long history, with records dating back to the Domesday Book. Another Capel is a village in Suffolk, England. The name's presence in both England and Wales suggests a historical diffusion of the surname across these regions.