Chantal

Chantal is a feminine given name of French origin. It is strongly associated with Saint Jeanne-Françoise de Chantal, co-founder of the Visitation Order, and with the French surname de Chantal, which is linked to a place-name in France. The name spread through Catholic communities in France and beyond and became established in Francophone contexts.

In the modern era, Chantal has been a common given name in France, Belgium, and Quebec, and it is used in various Francophone communities around the world. In Anglophone countries, it is recognized but less common, with English-language variants appearing in some families.

Notable individuals named Chantal include Chantal Akerman, a Belgian film director; Chantal Kreviazuk, a Canadian singer-songwriter; Chantal Goya, a French singer and actress; Chantal Joffe, a British painter; and Chantal Petitclerc, a Canadian Paralympic athlete. These examples illustrate the name’s continued use across different cultures and professions.

Variants and related forms include Chantale, Chantelle, and Chantell; the English variant Chantel is also used. The spelling Chantal remains the most established French form, while these variants appear in various language communities with similar pronunciation.