Camillo is a handsome Italian name with a rich history and unique meaning. Derived from the Latin word "camillus," which translates to "attendant" or "server of God," Camillo has long been associated with devotion and service.
The name first gained prominence during the Middle Ages in Italy, where it was often given to boys born into religious families or those who showed early signs of piety. One notable figure bearing this name is Saint Camillus de Lellis (1550-1614), an Italian priest and founder of the Order of the Ministers of the Sick. Through his tireless work caring for plague victims, he became a symbol of selflessness and compassion, further popularizing the name among Italian Catholics.
Over time, Camillo has evolved beyond its religious roots to simply denote a boy with a strong character and noble spirit. Today, it is still most commonly used in Italy but can also be found in other parts of Europe and even in South America.
In terms of pronunciation, Camillo is generally said as KAH-mee-loh, with the stress falling on the third syllable. As for its popularity, while not among the top choices today, it remains a classic name with enduring appeal due to its historic significance and strong meaning.
The name Camillo has seen a varied number of births in the United States over the past century, with some years seeing more than twenty newborns with this name and others less than ten.
From 1912 to 1923, there was an average of around fifteen births per year with the name Camillo. The highest year during this period was 1921, with twenty-six births. However, in the following decade (1924-1934), the number of annual births significantly decreased, with only a few exceptions.
Between 1935 and 1965, there were generally between five to twelve births per year with the name Camillo. The years 1955 and 1963 saw a peak in popularity with twelve births each.
From 1970 onwards, the number of annual births with the name Camillo fluctuated between five and fifteen. Some notable years include 2005 (nine births), 2014 (thirteen births), and 2022 (twenty births). The latest data shows that there were seventeen births in 2023.
In total, over the past century, there have been eight hundred ninety-six newborns named Camillo in the United States. While it has not consistently ranked among the most popular names, it has maintained a steady presence throughout history.