Campbell is a Scottish surname and given name that originates from the Gaelic word "cam" meaning "crooked" or "bent", combined with the word "beul" which means "mouth". Therefore, Campbell translates to "crooked mouth".
The name has been associated with Clan Campbell, one of the most powerful clans in Scotland's history. The clan originated from Argyllshire and was led by the Duke of Argyll. They played a significant role in Scottish politics and warfare throughout the Middle Ages.
In Scotland, the surname Campbell is quite common, ranking among the top 20 most popular surnames. It has also gained popularity as a given name, particularly for boys, both in Scotland and internationally.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Campbell. Some of these include Scottish poet James Graham, Lord Lyon King of Arms Sir Thomas Innes of Learney, and American businessman and philanthropist Gordon A. Campbell. This illustrates how the name has transcended borders and centuries, reflecting its rich heritage and enduring appeal.
In terms of its spelling, Campbell is typically written with two "l"s and one "p", although variations such as "Camelbell" or "Cambell" can also be found. Despite these minor differences in spelling, all forms of the name share a common origin and meaning.
In conclusion, Campbell is a surname and given name of Scottish origin that translates to "crooked mouth". It is strongly associated with Clan Campbell and has been borne by many notable individuals throughout history. Its enduring popularity reflects its rich heritage and appealing sound.
The name Campbell has been a presence in the United States for over a century, with its first recorded birth in 1881. From then until now, there have been a total of 5,625 babies named Campbell born in the U.S.
In the early years, from 1881 to 1940, the number of births was relatively low and fluctuated between 5 and 25 per year. However, starting in 1941, there was a significant increase in the number of babies named Campbell born each year. This trend continued throughout the remainder of the 20th century.
In fact, the highest point for Campbell births occurred in recent years, with 214 babies named Campbell born in 2022 and 211 babies in 2023. This shows that the name Campbell remains popular among parents today.
Over time, Campbell has become more common as a given name for boys in the United States. It is currently ranked #695 out of all boy names according to the Social Security Administration's popularity data from 2021. Despite not being one of the most popular names, its enduring presence over many decades demonstrates its timeless appeal.
In conclusion, while Campbell may not be among the top choices for baby boys today, it has a rich history in the United States with consistent popularity since the late 19th century. Its recent resurgence shows that parents continue to appreciate this classic and strong-sounding name for their sons.