Campbell is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic phrase "cam beul," which means "crooked mouth." It is believed to have been given as a nickname to someone who was born with a crooked lip or had an irregular mouth. The name Campbell has been associated with Scotland for centuries and is considered one of the oldest clans in Scottish history.
The Campbells are thought to be descendants of Gillespie, the son of the 3rd Earl of Menteith, who was granted lands in Argyllshire by King Malcolm IV in the early 12th century. The Campbell clan played a significant role in Scottish politics and warfare throughout the Middle Ages and beyond, with many notable members serving as High Steward of Scotland.
Today, Campbell is not only associated with Scotland but also has become quite popular around the world as a given name for boys. It is often shortened to the nickname "Cam" or "Camp." Despite its origin meaning "crooked mouth," it has come to be known as a strong and noble name, reflective of its Scottish heritage.
The number of annual births with the name Campbell peaked in 2006 at 435 and has since been declining, reaching a low of 198 in 2022 after two decades of relative stability between 2000 and 2020.