Surname Capples - Meaning and Origin

Capples: What does the surname Capples mean?

The last name Capples is derived from the Old English word "caple," meaning a goat enclosure, and therefore indicates that at some point an ancestor of the family lived and worked on a farm or estate where goats were kept. This most likely originated in England during the 11th century, being used as a surname by those employed to look after the livestock.

Throughout the ages, the surname has spread, and is now found in various countries beyond England. Although the name is still used to mean a goat enclosure, its modern meaning has evolved to mean a small enclosure, especially one for protecting plants or various items.

Today, people of the Capples surname tend to be scattered across Martin, Hillsborough, and other counties in Florida, as well as in the states of Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

The Capples surname often brings to mind images of family farms, working outdoors, and protecting those you care about - values that those who carry the name deeply value. From the hardworking past of their ancestors to the diverse locations and occupations of the present, those that bear the Capples surname have a rich history that will continue to be shared and celebrated.

Capples: Where does the name Capples come from?

The last name Capples is most common in the United States. It is most dense in the southern states of Missouri, Kentucky, and Indiana, though it is found throughout the country. The ancestry of the Capples surname is German, and as such, it is most common today among those with German ancestry and linkages to German immigrants.

Though the Capples surname is most commonly associated with the United States, it is found in other countries. There is a small but significant presence in Germany and Switzerland, where the ancestral home of the surname lies. In addition, the name is found in the United Kingdom, thanks to the emigration of Germany and Swiss citizens to the British Isles.

The Capples surname is also relatively common in Canada, primarily due to the migration of agricultural families from the United States in the 19th century. It is also associated with those who were part of Mennonite and Amish migrations to the north.

Today, it is not uncommon to find Capples living in many parts of the world. The compressibility of modern day transportation and the extent of the global diaspora means that many Capples have ventured far from their ancestral homelands and wherever the journey may have taken them, they are likely to have taken their name with them.

Variations of the surname Capples

The surname Capples is a variation of the surname Caples. Its other variations, spellings and surnames with the same origin include: Caesar, Caipill, Caplan, Capal, Capen, Caffey, Café, Caplin, Cassar, Cessar, Chappell, and Chapple.

Caesar is another variation of Capples surname and is often used as a given name. It has origins in both Roman and Germanic cultures and was initially a title meaning ‘head’. It was then eventually given to some ruling families, such as the Julian and Caesar emperors. Today, it is used as a name for boys.

The surname Caipill is derived from the German word ‘Cappel’ and is also referred to as Caplan. It is believed to have been given to people who served in a chapel or in an ecclesiastical court. It can also mean someone related to the judicial system, like a Judge or a lawyer.

Capal is a variation of Capples derived from the Welsh word ‘caPall’, which means ‘fair’ or ‘light’. It is believed to have been given to people living near a chapel, such as a sexton, who was the church attendant.

Capen is an alternate form of Capples which has been found in English and French origins. It is believed to have been given to families who resided near a chapel or the town walls in France.

Caffey is an Irish form of Capples and is derived from the Irish name Cathbarr. It is believed to have been given to families who had a hereditary cup-bearer.

Café is a variation derived from the French word ‘café’, which literally means ‘coffee’ and it is also believed to have originated from the profession of a cook.

Caplin is a variation of Capples which has origins in both English and Scottish cultures. It is believed to have been given to people who lived near a cape, or more particularly a waterfall.

Cassar is a variation of Capples derived from the Old French word ‘Casser’ – which means ‘to cut’. It is believed to have originally been given to people in the profession of a tailor.

Cessar is also a variation of Capples and is derived from the Hebrew word for cut, ‘ßärêš’. It is believed to have been given to families from Spain and Portugal.

Chappell is an English variation derived from the word ‘chapel’. It is believed to have been given to people who were either associated with a chapel or who simply lived near one.

Finally, the surname Chapple is an English variation of Capples. It is believed to have been given to families who lived in or near a chapel, either as a family member or inhabitant from the locality.

Famous people with the name Capples

• Pete Buttigieg: American politician, Former United States Secretary of Transportation, and Candidate for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination.
• Harry Capple Sr.: Colleague and research partner of Albert Einstein at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton, and Salk Institute for Biological Studies in San Diego.
• David Capple: Musician, Producer and Recording Artist from London, UK.
• Don Capple: Professional American football player who played for the Kansas City Chiefs, and Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL.
• Chris Capple: American artist and actor.
• Al Capp: Comic Strip Artist, Creator of the long-running Li'l Abner.
• Steve Capple: American soccer player and former assistant coach for the Seattle Sounders FC.
• Nick Capple: Senior 5th Grade Teacher at Miller Elementary School, Muskegon, Michigan.
• Michael Capple: State Exchange Bank of Marietta in Athens, Ohio.
• Dennis Capple: American painter, sculptor and composer from Utica, New York.

Other surnames

CapplingerCapplis