Campbell
Meaning of Campbell
Campbell, a unisex forename adopted from a distinguished Scottish surname, traces its etymology to the Gaelic compound “cam beul,” conventionally interpreted as “crooked” or “wry mouth,” an epithet that originally described a physical feature and later conferred identity on one of the most influential Highland clans. As a given name it preserves the martial and administrative heritage of Clan Campbell—whose chiefs held the Dukedom of Argyll—while simultaneously resonating with modern Anglo-American sensibilities that prize surnames-as-first-names for their amalgam of tradition and approachability. In contemporary United States usage, Campbell occupies a stable middle tier of the popularity charts; annual vital-statistics records from 1989 through 2024 show modest but sustained adoption, with peak visibility around rank 567 in 2006 and a recent position near 678. Because its phonetic pattern is straightforward—KAM-buhl—and its gender distribution balanced, the name appeals to parents seeking a culturally rooted yet non-gendered choice that conveys quiet strength rather than overt flamboyance.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as KAM-buhl (/ˈkæm.bəl/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
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Notable People Named Campbell
| Campbell Newman - Campbell Kevin Thomas Newman is an Australian former politician who served as the 38th Premier of Queensland and previously as the Lord Mayor of Brisbane. |
| Campbell Harvey - Campbell "Cam" Harvey is a Canadian economist famous for his research on asset allocation and distinguishing luck from skill in investment management, and he is a professor at Duke University. |
