Camilo is a masculine given name of Latin origin. It comes from the Roman family name Camillus, which was derived from the Latin word "camillus," meaning "attendant" or "helper." The name was originally associated with the ancient Roman family who claimed descent from Attus Navius, a legendary augur (someone who interprets omens and superstitions).
In ancient Rome, the gens Camilia was a prominent patrician clan. One of its most famous members was Lucius Furius Camillus, known as "the Hero of Rome," who played a significant role in the early history of Rome, defending the city against invaders such as the Gauls.
The name Camilo gained popularity during the Middle Ages when it was adopted by various nobles and royals across Europe. Today, Camilo is used worldwide and has become particularly popular in South America, especially in countries like Colombia, Chile, and Argentina.
While Camilo is traditionally a masculine name, some languages have feminine versions as well, such as Camila in Spanish or Camilla in Italian. However, the most common usage of the name remains for males.
In literature and arts, Camilo has been used by several notable figures throughout history. For instance, the Spanish poet and playwright Luis de Góngora wrote a play titled "El doctor Carmelo y Apolónio," featuring characters named Camilo. Additionally, Camilo Cienfuegos, a Cuban revolutionary leader who fought alongside Fidel Castro, was born with this name.
Overall, Camilo is an elegant and historic name with a strong Latin heritage that carries the weight of its ancient Roman origins while also enjoying modern popularity across various cultures worldwide.
The name Camilo experienced a significant surge in popularity from the late 20th century onwards, with a marked increase starting around the year 2000. Between 1909 and 1999, there were fewer than 300 births annually on average. However, since the turn of the millennium, Camilo's popularity has skyrocketed, reaching over 600 births per year by 2023, with a record high of 794 births in 2021 and 682 births in 2022. This trend suggests that Camilo is now one of the most popular baby boy names.