Camille is a name of French origin, derived from the French phrase 'Camelot', which means 'freeholder' or 'landowner'. It was originally used as a surname before evolving into a given name for females in France during the 18th century. In English-speaking countries, Camille gained popularity during the late Victorian era and continues to be used today, often considered a sophisticated and elegant choice. Its usage peaked in the United States during the mid-20th century but has since seen resurgences in popularity in recent years. The name Camille is also notable for its association with French writer Honoré de Balzac's novel 'Père Goriot', where it is used as a character's name, contributing to its familiarity and recognition.
The name Camille experienced significant popularity swings over time. In the early years (1882-1923), it had few births per year, with a peak of 36 in 1921. However, from 1925 onwards, there was a notable increase, peaking at 40 in 1915 and again at 37 in 1929. After World War II, its popularity declined, dropping to single digits consistently after 1962 until the late 1980s when it slightly recovered, reaching double digits occasionally until around 2010. Since then, it has mostly remained steady at around 5-9 births per year.