Cam Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name 'Cam' has origins in English, deriving from Old English with meanings related to being 'bent' or 'crooked.' It evolved from historical forms like 'cam' and 'came' to its modern usage. While it has no biblical relevance, it gained popularity in the 20th century as a shortened version of names like Cameron. Today, it is viewed as a casual and friendly name, with notable figures such as Cam Newton and Camila Cabello contributing to its recognition.
The name Cam is most popular in Louisiana, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Cam has been too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Cam' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3471st out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3933rd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2111th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2507th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4234th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2992nd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1606th out of 23106 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3850th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 6074th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 17321st out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 32148th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 16778th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Cam' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Cam"
Pronunciation
/kæm/
Origin
English
Etymology
The name 'Cam' is often derived from the Old English word 'cam,' meaning 'bent' or 'crooked.' It can also be a short form of names like Cameron, which means 'crooked river' in Scottish Gaelic.
Meaning
bent, crooked
Language Evolution
Old English: cam, Middle English: came, Modern English: Cam
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the 20th century as a shortened form of longer names and as a standalone name, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Variants & Derivatives
Cameron, Cammie
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, 'Cam' is perceived as a modern, casual name that is approachable and friendly. It is often used in both formal and informal settings.
Famous People
Cam Newton - American football quarterback, Camila Cabello - Cuban-American singer and songwriter
Explore More Cam Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Cam"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Cam"
"Cam" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3471st of 7545 | 89 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 3933rd of 6773 | 59 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2111th of 7552 | 281 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2507th of 10718 | 242 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 4234th of 16616 | 186 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 2992nd of 24088 | 551 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1606th of 23106 | 1,241 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 3850th of 12526 | 190 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 6074th of 19264 | 126 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 17321st of 27321 | 27 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 32148th of 35406 | 8 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 16778th of 30306 | 42 |
Regional Popularity of "Cam" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
96.75% 2289th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - |
47.24% 1311th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
60.98% 1791st/2937 |
- | - |
60.78% 2458th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
52.36% 2399th/4582 |
66.98% 3459th/5164 |
42.09% 3078th/7313 |
62.48% 4663rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
32.83% 1308th/3984 |
55.38% 2485th/4487 |
25.86% 1764th/6822 |
34.80% 2184th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Cam" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - |
100.00% 2775th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - |
91.79% 3712th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Cam"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Cam" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.