indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Type Surname (from occupation)
Usage French
Other Forms FormsD'Eschanel, Eschamel, Des Chanels, Dechanel, Deschannel, Dechannel
Meaning & History
Derived from French eschamel meaning "stepladder" or des chanels meaning "from the channels, from the little jugs". An occupational nickname for a trader, it supposedly originated in the Ain department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. A famous bearer is the American actress Emily Deschanel (1976-), as well as her sister, actress and musician Zooey Deschanel (1980-). It was also borne by the French president Paul Deschanel (1855-1922).