Meaning, origin, history
Cameron is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word 'cam' which means 'crooked' or 'bent', and 'sron' which means 'nose'. Thus, Cameron literally translates to 'one with a crooked nose'.
The name Cameron has been used historically as both a surname and a given name. As a surname, it is believed to have originated from the Scottish Highlands, where many clans adopted the name due to their chief's prominent or distinctive noses.
The first recorded use of Cameron as a given name was in the 18th century, but it did not become popular until the late 20th century. Today, Cameron is a widely used name for both boys and girls, although it is still more commonly used for males.
One notable bearer of the name Cameron is the American film director James Cameron, known for directing blockbuster films like Titanic and Avatar. However, he was not named after the Scottish clan or its historical significance; his mother simply liked the sound of the name.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Cameron since 1880
Total births
30,976
Total since 1880
Peak year
1999
1,781 births
in 2023
637
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+33%
↗
vs previous 5 years