Campbell

Pronunciation: [ k-AMB-uhl ]

Boy Name #924 Most Popular Rising 2 Syllables

A proud Scottish clan name with royal history

Scottish Irish English American

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Meaning & Origin

"crooked mouth, wry-mouthed"

Origin: Scottish Gaelic

Language: Scottish

"from the crooked stream"

Origin: Gaelic

Language: Scottish

Things to Know About This Name

The Campbell clan was involved in the Massacre of Glencoe (1692) in Scottish history, which may be a sensitive association for some Scottish families

The Story of Campbell

Campbell is one of Scotland's most powerful and famous clan names, derived from the Scottish Gaelic 'Caimbeul' meaning 'crooked mouth' or 'wry-mouthed' (from 'cam' meaning crooked and 'beul' meaning mouth). Despite this literal meaning, the name carries enormous prestige through the Campbell clan's historical dominance in the Scottish Highlands. As a first name, Campbell follows the trend of using powerful Scottish surnames as first names.

Campbell has been rising as a first name for both boys and girls in the US and UK, part of the broader trend of powerful Scottish clan surnames crossing into first-name usage. It follows names like Cameron, Fraser, and MacKenzie in being reclaimed from surnames. The Campbell's Soup brand (founded 1869) is a cultural touchstone that keeps the name visible.

The Campbell clan was one of the most powerful in Scottish history, aligned with the British Crown during several key moments including the Scottish Reformation. Their tartan and motto 'Ne obliviscaris' (Do not forget) are among Scotland's most recognized. Choosing Campbell as a first name often signals Scottish heritage pride.

Fun Facts

The Campbell clan is one of the largest and most powerful in Scottish history, with strongholds throughout Argyll and the Western Highlands
The Massacre of Glencoe (1692) was carried out largely by Campbell soldiers against the MacDonald clan, a still-controversial moment in Scottish history
Campbell's Soup Company was founded in 1869 and became famous through Andy Warhol's iconic 1962 paintings of their cans

Campbell in Other Languages

Irish Campbell

French Campbell

German Campbell

Spanish Campbell

Scottish Gaelic Caimbeul

Famous People Named Campbell

Kim Campbell

Politician

1947

19th Prime Minister of Canada and the first and only woman to hold the office, serving in 1993

Glen Campbell

Musician

1936

American country and pop singer known for 'Rhinestone Cowboy' and 'Wichita Lineman,' who sold over 45 million albums

Colin Campbell

Military

1792

Scottish-born British field marshal who commanded the Highland Brigade in the Crimean War and is remembered for the 'Thi...

Scottish-born British field marshal who commanded the Highland Brigade in the Crimean War and is remembered for the 'Thin Red Line'

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #924
Total SSA Count: 251
Cultural Origins: Scottish Irish English American
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Common Nicknames

Cam Camp

Pairs Well With

Campbell James Campbell Reid Campbell Scott Campbell Fraser Campbell Duncan Campbell Keith Campbell Ross

Sibling Names

Fraser Douglas MacKenzie Sutherland Cameron Skye Isla

Also a Girl Name

Campbell is also used as a girl name, ranked #954.

View Campbell as a girl name →

Similar Names

Anderson Hamilton London Cam Beckham Cameron Champion Kam

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Campbell

What does the name Campbell mean?

"crooked mouth, wry-mouthed" (from Scottish Gaelic). "from the crooked stream" (from Gaelic). Campbell is one of Scotland's most powerful and famous clan names, derived from the Scottish Gaelic 'Caimbeul' meaning 'crooked mouth' or 'wry-mouthed' (from 'cam' meaning crooked and 'beul' meaning mouth). Despite this literal meaning, the name carries enormous prestige through the Campbell clan's historical dominance in the Scottish Highlands. As a first name, Campbell follows the trend of using powerful Scottish surnames as first names.

What is the origin of the name Campbell?

Campbell has Scottish Gaelic, Gaelic, Scottish, Irish, English, and American origins. In Scottish Gaelic, it means "crooked mouth, wry-mouthed". In Gaelic, it means "from the crooked stream".

Is Campbell a boy or girl name?

Campbell is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #924. As a girl name, it is ranked #954. Campbell is more commonly used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Campbell?

Campbell is pronounced k-AMB-uhl.

How popular is the name Campbell?

Campbell is currently ranked #924 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Campbell?

Common nicknames for Campbell include Cam and Camp.

What are good middle names for Campbell?

Popular middle name pairings include Campbell James, Campbell Reid, Campbell Scott, Campbell Fraser, Campbell Duncan, Campbell Keith, and Campbell Ross.

What are good sibling names for Campbell?

Names that pair well with Campbell as siblings include Fraser, Douglas, MacKenzie, Sutherland, Cameron, Skye, and Isla.

How many syllables does Campbell have?

Campbell has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Campbell a common or rare name?

Campbell is moderately common, ranked #924 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.

About the Name Campbell

Campbell is a boy name with Scottish, Irish, English, and American origins . The name means "crooked mouth, wry-mouthed" in Scottish Gaelic .

Is Campbell a boy or girl name? Campbell is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #924 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #954. Campbell is more commonly used as a boy name.

Campbell is currently ranked #924 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Campbell has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-AMB-uhl, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Campbell include Cam and Camp. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.