Campbell Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Campbell has its origins in Scottish Gaelic, meaning 'crooked mouth'. It evolved from Caimbeul to its current form. Historically, it gained prominence in Scotland through the Campbell clan. The name carries traits of strength and heritage, with no direct biblical relevance.
The name Campbell is most popular in Tennessee, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the South 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, Campbell has been too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, falling for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, too falling 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 female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Campbell' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1676th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2228th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2475th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3451st out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2302nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1122nd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1107th out of 23106 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 8464th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 972nd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1128th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Campbell' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Campbell"
Pronunciation
/ˈkæm.bəl/
Origin
Scottish Gaelic
Etymology
The name Campbell derives from the Gaelic 'Caimbeul', which means 'crooked mouth'. It is believed to refer to someone who had a physical characteristic or a speech impediment.
Meaning
crooked mouth
Language Evolution
Caimbeul, Cambel, Campbell
Historical Usage
The name Campbell gained popularity in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands, during the medieval period as it became associated with the powerful Campbell clan.
Variants & Derivatives
Cam, Cammie, Camp
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Campbell is viewed as a strong, traditional name with a rich heritage, often associated with nobility and Scottish culture.
Famous People
John Campbell, 2nd Duke of Argyll, Diana Campbell, author and historian, Campbell Brown, journalist and news anchor
Explore More Campbell Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Campbell"
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 "Campbell"
"Campbell" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1676th of 7545 | 329 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2228th of 6773 | 206 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2475th of 7552 | 207 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3451st of 10718 | 142 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2302nd of 16616 | 450 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1122nd of 24088 | 2,333 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1107th of 23106 | 2,172 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 8464th of 27321 | 127 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 972nd of 35406 | 4,025 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1128th of 30306 | 2,674 |
Regional Popularity of "Campbell" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
34.52% 1793rd/5194 |
37.53% 2371st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
29.68% 1360th/4582 |
32.22% 1664th/5164 |
12.74% 932nd/7313 |
19.36% 1445th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
34.84% 1388th/3984 |
37.13% 1666th/4487 |
12.71% 867th/6822 |
22.96% 1441st/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Campbell" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
20.36% 933rd/4582 |
22.21% 1147th/5164 |
10.23% 748th/7313 |
18.46% 1378th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
28.69% 1143rd/3984 |
39.05% 1752nd/4487 |
12.42% 847th/6822 |
26.64% 1672nd/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Campbell"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Campbell" 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.