Chapman is an English surname with origins in the Old English word “ceapmann,” meaning a trader or merchant. It was a common occupational name for someone who sold goods, particularly clothing. The Chapman family can be found throughout England, with variations including Chappell and Chaplin. Notable Chapmans include Maria Mitchell, the first professional female astronomer in the United States, and George Chapman, a playwright and translator in the Elizabethan era. Today, Chapman is a popular surname in English-speaking countries around the world.
