Campbell is a Scottish surname and given name derived from the Gaelic personal name 'Caimbeul', which is composed of two elements: 'cam' meaning crooked or bent, and 'beul' meaning mouth. The name Campbell was originally a nickname or byname for someone with a crooked mouth.
The Clan Campbell is one of the most powerful Highland clans in Scotland. The clan takes its name from the Gaelic word 'cam beul', meaning 'crooked mouth'. The Campbells were known as warriors and leaders, and their influence can still be felt today throughout Scotland and beyond.
In the Middle Ages, the Campbell family became prominent in Scotland through their military prowess and strategic marriages. They played a significant role in Scottish politics and history, with many notable members serving as powerful lairds, chiefs, and statesmen.
The name Campbell has been used as a given name since the 18th century, but it gained popularity in the English-speaking world in the mid-20th century. Today, Campbell is considered a strong, unisex name with a rich history and distinctive Scottish heritage. It is often associated with the qualities of strength, leadership, and courage, due to its association with the historic Clan Campbell.
In popular culture, notable figures named Campbell include American singer-songwriter Neil Campbell, Canadian actor Colin Campbell, and Scottish footballer Alan Campbell. The name has also been used in literature, such as in the works of Irish author Oscar Wilde and English novelist Charles Dickens.
The name Campbell has seen varying popularity over the past two decades in the United States. Between the years 2000 and 2023, a total of 198 babies were named Campbell. The name's peak popularity was in 2006 and 2007 when it reached 20 births per year. However, after 2008, the number of Campbell births started to decline, with only 6 births recorded in 2014 and 5 in 2023. Despite this decrease in recent years, the name Campbell has maintained a consistent presence among newborns throughout these two decades.