Shantel

Shantel is a modern English name that emerged as a variant of Chantel, which itself is derived from the French surname Chantal. The surname Chantal has two primary proposed etymologies. One suggests it comes from the Old Occitan word 'cantal', meaning 'stone' or 'rocky place', referring to a geographical feature. The other, less common, links it to the Old French 'chanter', meaning 'to sing', thus implying 'singer'.

The name gained popularity in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, during the latter half of the 20th century. Its phonetic spelling, Shantel, likely arose from a desire for a more straightforward pronunciation for English speakers, or as a creative variation. While Chantal has a longer history, Shantel is a more recent coinage, reflecting trends in name creation and adaptation.