Camilo is a masculine given name of Latin origin. It comes from the Roman family name Camillus, which was derived from the Latin word "camillus," meaning "attendant" or "helper." The name was originally associated with the ancient Roman family who claimed descent from Attus Navius, a legendary augur (someone who interprets omens and superstitions).
In ancient Rome, the gens Camilia was a prominent patrician clan. One of its most famous members was Lucius Furius Camillus, known as "the Hero of Rome," who played a significant role in the early history of Rome, defending the city against invaders such as the Gauls.
The name Camilo gained popularity during the Middle Ages when it was adopted by various nobles and royals across Europe. Today, Camilo is used worldwide and has become particularly popular in South America, especially in countries like Colombia, Chile, and Argentina.
While Camilo is traditionally a masculine name, some languages have feminine versions as well, such as Camila in Spanish or Camilla in Italian. However, the most common usage of the name remains for males.
In literature and arts, Camilo has been used by several notable figures throughout history. For instance, the Spanish poet and playwright Luis de Góngora wrote a play titled "El doctor Carmelo y Apolónio," featuring characters named Camilo. Additionally, Camilo Cienfuegos, a Cuban revolutionary leader who fought alongside Fidel Castro, was born with this name.
Overall, Camilo is an elegant and historic name with a strong Latin heritage that carries the weight of its ancient Roman origins while also enjoying modern popularity across various cultures worldwide.
The name Camilo has a fascinating history of popularity in the United States, as reflected in the annual birth statistics from 1909 to present day.
Between 1909 and 1946, the number of births with the name Camilo remained relatively low, fluctuating between 7 and 24 per year. However, starting in 1947, there was a noticeable increase in popularity, with 19 births recorded that year.
The 1950s saw a steady growth in the number of babies named Camilo, with peaks in 1953 (23 births) and 1958 (22 births). This trend continued into the 1960s, with notable highs in 1964 (22 births), 1967 (26 births), and 1970 (28 births).
The 1970s marked a significant turning point for the name Camilo. The number of babies named Camilo more than doubled from the previous decade, with several years exceeding 30 births. The highest points were reached in 1974 (37 births) and 1976 (35 births).
The 1980s brought even greater popularity for the name Camilo, with a consistent increase in annual births. Notable peaks include 1980 (46 births), 1984 (60 births), and 1990 (84 births). The end of the decade saw an impressive total of 523 births.
The popularity of Camilo continued to grow throughout the 1990s, with annual births ranging from a low of 52 in 1991 to a high of 76 in 1998. The new millennium brought even more popularity for the name, with over 100 births recorded every year since 2001.
In recent years, Camilo has become one of the most popular names for boys in the United States. Between 2012 and 2023, there were a total of 7985 babies named Camilo, with the highest number of births recorded in 2022 (682) and 2023 (626). This remarkable growth in popularity over the past century reflects the enduring appeal of the name Camilo for parents across America.