Cam is a unisex name of Welsh origin that means "freeholder" or "chief". It is derived from the Welsh word "cam", which means "crooked" or "bent". Traditionally, Cam was used as a boy's name in Wales, but it has gained popularity as a girl's name in recent years.
The name Cam first appeared in the 10th century when it was used by several Welsh princes and saints. One of the most famous bearers of this name was Camlann ap Cadarn, who ruled over Dyfed in southwest Wales during the 6th century. According to legend, he fought against his cousin Arthur at the Battle of Camlann, which is believed to be the final battle of theArthurian legends.
Despite its Welsh origins, Cam has gained popularity worldwide as a unisex name. It has been used by parents who appreciate its unique sound and meaning, as well as those who are drawn to its historical significance. In English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, Cam is often chosen as a middle name or given name for both boys and girls.
While there may not be any specific traditions or cultural practices associated with the name Cam, it has certainly made its mark in history and continues to be a popular choice for parents today. Whether you're looking for a strong, meaningful name for your son or daughter, Cam is definitely one to consider.
Based on the statistics provided for the name Cam in the United States, we can observe several trends over time.
From 1892 to around 1970, the number of births with the name Cam fluctuated between 5 and 24 births per year. The highest numbers during this period were seen in the late 1950s and early 1960s, with peaks of 24 births in 1954 and 28 births in 1961.
However, starting from around 1970, there was a noticeable decline in the popularity of the name Cam. The number of births decreased significantly, with fewer than 10 births per year recorded between 1971 and 1984.
Interestingly, since the late 1980s, the popularity of the name Cam has started to rise again. From 1985 onwards, there have been more than 10 births per year with the name Cam, with a significant increase in recent years. In 2022 and 2023, the name Cam reached its peak popularity, with 121 and 128 births recorded respectively.
Overall, while the name Cam has not been consistently popular throughout history, it has shown periods of increased usage, particularly in recent years. As of 2023, there have been a total of 2531 births in the United States with the name Cam since 1892.