Cameo is a unique and distinctive given name of Italian origin. It is derived from the Italian word "cameo," which refers to a carved gemstone featuring a portrait or figure in relief. The term came into use during the Renaissance period, when intricate carvings on semi-precious stones such as agate became popular among European aristocracy.
The name Cameo gained prominence in English-speaking countries after it was used by American writer Fannie Hurst in her 1924 novel "Back Street." In the story, Cameo is a beautiful and talented African-American singer who becomes the mistress of a wealthy white man. Despite its controversial context, the character's name has since been adopted as a given name for girls.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Cameo. One example is Cameo Brown, an American actress known for her role in the television series "Moesha" during the 1990s. Another notable figure is Cameo Cole, a British singer-songwriter who gained fame as part of the duo Floetry.
In recent years, the name Cameo has experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly among parents seeking unique and memorable names for their daughters. While it may still be considered uncommon compared to more traditional names like Emma or Olivia, Cameo's distinctive sound and intriguing origins make it an appealing choice for those looking for something different.
In summary, Cameo is an Italian-derived given name with a fascinating history rooted in art and literature. Though not widely used until the mid-20th century, this unique moniker has been embraced by parents seeking distinctive names for their daughters and has been carried by several notable individuals throughout history.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Cameo has seen a varied trend of popularity over the past four decades in the United States.
From 1979 to 1989, there was a steady increase in the number of babies named Cameo, with peaks in 1982 and 1987. The highest number of births recorded during this period was in 1987, with 19 newborn girls named Cameo.
However, from 1990 onwards, there was a noticeable decrease in the popularity of the name Cameo. There were only five births recorded in both 1992 and 1999, indicating that the name had fallen out of favor among parents during this time.
Interestingly, after a dip in popularity, the name Cameo began to show signs of revival from around 2003 onwards. The number of babies named Cameo increased to six births in both 2003 and 2011, eight births in both 2013 and 2014, and seven births in 2016.
Overall, over the past four decades, there have been a total of 218 babies named Cameo born in the United States. Despite fluctuations in popularity, this data suggests that the name Cameo continues to be chosen by parents for their daughters.