Origin and Meaning of Chapman

Meaning & Origin

Merchant or trader

Origin: English - Derived from the Old English word 'ceapmann', where 'ceap' means 'trade' or 'buy' and 'mann' means 'man'.

Interesting Facts

  • Chapman was originally a surname for someone who was a merchant or trader, reflecting the person's occupation in medieval society.
  • The name is primarily used in English-speaking cultures, and it has historical significance in England as a term for traders.
  • Notable bearers of the name include American baseball player John Chapman and Canadian politician Arthur Chapman.
  • Chapman has seen variations in usage as both a surname and a given name but is less common as a first name.
  • Variations of the name include Chipman and Chapmen, which can reflect similar occupational origins.