Campbell Name Origin
Campbell comes from Scotland. It started as a last name for a big Scottish family called a clan. The name comes from Gaelic words meaning "crooked mouth."
Long ago, people used it to describe someone’s look or a family trait. Over time, it became a common last name. Later, some families began using Campbell as a first name too.
- Type: First Name
- Gender: Unisex
- Pronunciation: KAM-buhl
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Campbell Meaning
Campbell is a Scottish name that comes from a clan in the Highlands. It originally started as a last name but is now also used as a first name. The name is made up of two parts from Gaelic words.
The first part means "crooked" or "bent," and the second part means "mouth." So, Campbell roughly means "crooked mouth." This might have described someone’s appearance long ago.
Campbell is linked to strength and leadership because the Campbell clan was powerful in Scotland. People with this name often think of bravery and loyalty. It’s a name with a proud history.
History
Campbell started as a Scottish surname a long time ago, around the 13th century. It came from a Gaelic phrase meaning "crooked mouth," which was a nickname for someone with a distinctive mouth shape.
Over time, Campbell became a family name linked to a powerful Scottish clan. The Campbells were important in Scottish history, especially in the Highlands. This helped the name spread and become well-known.
By the 19th and 20th centuries, Campbell began to be used as a first name, especially in English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. It became popular because of its strong, classic sound.
Today, Campbell is still common as both a last name and a first name. It’s often chosen for boys but can be used for girls too. The name carries a sense of Scottish heritage and tradition.
Famous People
Campbell Scott is a well-known American actor and director. He has appeared in movies like "Dying Young" and "The Amazing Spider-Man." He is also known for his work in theater.
Campbell Brown is a famous journalist and news anchor. She has worked for CNN and NBC. Brown is recognized for her reporting on politics and education.
Campbell Soup Company founder, Joseph Campbell, is famous for creating the popular Campbell's Soup brand. His name became a symbol of canned soup worldwide.
Campbell McGrath is an American poet. He has written many books of poetry and won several awards for his work. His poems often explore American life and culture.
Name Trends
This chart shows how many babies were given the name Campbell each year, based on data from the U.S. Government's Social Security Administration (SSA). It's a fun way to see how the name's popularity has changed over time!
The blue line shows how many boys were named Campbell, while the pink line shows how many girls were given the same name.
If the lines go up, that means more babies got the name that year. If they go down, the name was used less. You can spot trends, like when the name became really popular or started to fade.