Campbell
Campbell: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkæmbəl/
Meaning and origin of Campbell
Root meaning: “crooked”
- A male given name transferred from the surname.
- A female given name transferred from the surname, of 2000s and later usage.
Etymology
As a Scottish surname, from Scottish Gaelic Caimbeul, from cam (“crooked”) + beul (“mouth”). Compare Cameron, from Scottish Gaelic cam (“crooked”) + sròn (“nose”). * As an Irish surname, from Mac Cathmhaoil (“son of Cathmhaol”), see Caulfield, Cowell. * As an English surname, variant of Camel, probably influenced by the above. * (duck breed): Developed by Adele Campbell.
How popular is Campbell?
Since 1880, 7,300 girls and 6,214 boys in the U.S. have been named Campbell (54% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #617 in 2025. Its highest rank for boys was #710 in 1885. In 2025 it ranked #617 for girls, with 811 babies given the name.
Names similar to Campbell
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Surname unisex names
Sibling name ideas for Campbell
Sister and brother names that share Campbell's Surname roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Campbell FAQ
What does the name Campbell mean?
Campbell traces back to a root meaning "crooked". A male given name transferred from the surname. A female given name transferred from the surname, of 2000s and later usage. As a Scottish surname, from Scottish Gaelic Caimbeul, from cam (“crooked”) + beul (“mouth”). Compare Cameron, from Scottish Gaelic cam (“crooked”) + sròn (“nose”). * As an Irish surname, from Mac Cathmhaoil (“son of Cathmhaol”), see Caulfield, Cowell. * As an English surname, variant of Camel, probably influenced by the above. * (duck breed): Developed by Adele Campbell.
What is the origin of the name Campbell?
Campbell is listed as a name of Surname (transferred from a surname) origin.
How popular is the name Campbell?
Since 1880, 7,300 girls and 6,214 boys in the U.S. have been named Campbell (54% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #617 in 2025. Its highest rank for boys was #710 in 1885. In 2025 it ranked #617 for girls, with 811 babies given the name.
Is Campbell a boy or girl name?
Campbell is used for both boys and girls in the U.S. (7,300 girls and 6,214 boys since 1880).
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.