Campbell Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KAM-buhl //ˈkæm.bəl//
Origin: Scottish; English
Meaning: Scottish: crooked mouth; English: from the camp
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Campbell originates from the Gaelic surname "Caimbeul," which is derived from the elements "cam" meaning "crooked" and "beul" meaning "mouth." This etymological root reflects a geographical or topographical feature, possibly referring to a location characterized by a winding river or a crooked valley. The name transitioned into English through the Norman influence in Scotland, where it became associated with various clans, particularly the Clan Campbell, which played a significant role in Scottish history from the medieval period onward.
Historically, the Campbells rose to prominence in the 13th century, becoming one of the most powerful clans in Scotland. They were known for their loyalty to the Scottish crown, particularly during the Wars of Scottish Independence in the late 13th and early 14th centuries.
The clan's influence continued into the 16th and 17th centuries, with notable figures such as Archibald Campbell, 1st Marquess of Argyll, who was a key player in the political landscape of Scotland during the 17th century. The name Campbell is also associated with various historical events, including the Jacobite risings, where members of the clan took opposing sides.
Culturally, the name Campbell has endured due to its deep roots in Scottish heritage and its association with nobility and leadership. It has been celebrated in literature and folklore, often symbolizing strength and resilience.
The name's historical significance is further underscored by its use in various forms of art and literature, where it has been depicted as a symbol of Scottish identity. Additionally, the diminutive form "Cammie" has been used in familial and affectionate contexts, although it is less common in historical records.
Overall, the name Campbell carries a rich legacy that reflects both its linguistic origins and its historical significance in Scottish culture.
Famous people named Campbell
In this section, you will find notable people named Campbell. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Campbell who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Campbell who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Campbell Scott is an actor and director best known for Big Night, The Amazing Spider-Man, and Roger Dodger.
Campbell Brown is a journalist and television news anchor best known for her work on CNN and NBC News.
Campbell McCulloch is a musician best known for his work with the band The Campbell Brothers.
Fictional characters named Campbell
The following list of fictional characters named Campbell is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Campbell is a fictional character from the film The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1. They are a member of the rebellion against the Capitol and play a significant role in the fight for freedom.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Campbell, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Campbell was first seen in the United States in 1989.
Campbell has ranked as high as #961 nationally, which occurred in 2006, and has been most popular in Texas, North Carolina, Virginia, California, and Tennessee.
In the past 5 years the name Campbell has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Campbell is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Campbell was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Campbell (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 32 | |
| NC | 23 | |
| TN | 20 | |
| VA | 15 | |
| GA | 15 | |
| SC | 14 | |
| CA | 12 | |
| FL | 11 | |
| IL | 9 | |
| MN | 8 | |
| MO | 7 | |
| PA | 7 | |
| AL | 7 | |
| WA | 6 | |
| IA | 6 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Campbell.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 273 |
| 2023 | 216 |
| 2022 | 198 |
| 2021 | 210 |
| 2020 | 195 |
| 2019 | 190 |
| 2018 | 200 |
| 2017 | 223 |
| 2016 | 226 |
| 2015 | 225 |
| 2014 | 238 |
| 2013 | 280 |
| 2012 | 304 |
| 2011 | 276 |
| 2010 | 360 |
| 2009 | 396 |
| 2008 | 387 |
| 2007 | 392 |
| 2006 | 435 |
| 2005 | 389 |
| 2004 | 318 |
| 2003 | 260 |
| 2002 | 197 |
| 2001 | 135 |
| 2000 | 48 |
| 1999 | 62 |
| 1998 | 43 |
| 1997 | 23 |
| 1996 | 26 |
| 1995 | 15 |
| 1994 | 19 |
| 1993 | 23 |
| 1992 | 21 |
| 1991 | 10 |
| 1990 | 8 |
| 1989 | 5 |