Campbell

/KAM-bel/

Campbell is a Scottish baby name pronounced /KAM-bel/. This name literally translates to crooked mouth.

Meaning of Campbell

This name literally translates to crooked mouth.

It originates from the Scottish Gaelic words 'cam' meaning crooked or bent and 'beul' meaning mouth. Historically, it began as a nickname for a person whose mouth inclined to one side, perhaps a physical trait or a characteristic expression. It eventually developed into a prominent Scottish clan surname before transitioning into a popular given name.

Origin
Scottish
Pronunciation
/KAM-bel/

Cultural background

While traditionally a surname associated with the powerful Clan Campbell in Scotland, it is now widely used as a first name in the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Variations & nicknames

  • Cam
  • Campbell
  • Cambell
  • Cammie
  • Cammy

Famous people named Campbell

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Campbell Scott

    American actor and director known for 'Roger Dodger'

    Film · Modern

  • Campbell Brown

    American television news reporter and anchor

    Journalism · Modern

  • Campbell Johnstone

    New Zealand rugby union player

    Sport · Modern

  • Campbell Soup

    Fictional character representation/brand namesake

    Business · 19th Century to Present

Frequently asked about Campbell

Is Campbell a boy or girl name?
Campbell is considered a unisex name, though it has seen increasing use for girls in recent decades.
What is the Scottish origin of the name Campbell?
It comes from the Gaelic 'Caimbeul', used to describe a person with a 'crooked mouth'.
Is Campbell a common first name?
It is a well-established surname that has become a fashionable 'surname-as-first-name' choice in English-speaking countries.

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