"crooked mouth"
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Language: Scottish Gaelic
Campbell
Pronunciation: [ k-AMB-uhl ]
Girl Name
#954 Most Popular
Rising
2 Syllables
A bold Scottish clan name with modern girl power
Scottish
Irish
American
Canadian
Strong
Modern
Bold
Unique
Sophisticated
Meaning & Origin
"of the crooked hill"
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Language: English
The Story of Campbell
Campbell is a Scottish Gaelic surname derived from 'cam beul,' literally meaning 'crooked mouth' or 'wry mouth' — a nickname that became a clan name. The Campbell clan is one of Scotland's most powerful and historically significant clans, and the name carries centuries of Highland history. As a first name, especially for girls, it entered American usage via the surname-as-first-name trend.
Campbell has been climbing steadily as a girls' first name in America since the 2000s, benefiting from the trend of using strong Scottish and Irish surnames as given names. It feels both preppy and powerful, fitting the contemporary taste for surnames-as-first-names on girls.
The Campbell clan has played a central role in Scottish history, from the Wars of Scottish Independence to the Glencoe Massacre of 1692. In America, the Campbell Soup Company (founded 1869) has made the name instantly recognizable. The name projects strength and heritage.
Fun Facts
- The Campbell clan motto is 'Ne Obliviscaris' (Forget Not), reflecting their fierce loyalty to heritage
- The Glencoe Massacre of 1692 involved Campbell soldiers and remains one of Scotland's most remembered historical tragedies
- Campbell's Soup was founded in 1869 and its cans famously inspired Andy Warhol's pop art series
Campbell in Other Languages
Irish
Cambell
French
Campbell
German
Campbell
Spanish
Campbell
Scottish Gaelic
Caimbeul
Famous People Named Campbell
N
Naomi Campbell
Other
1970
British supermodel and cultural icon, one of the most recognized fashion models of the 20th and 21st centuries
C
Campbell Brown
Other
1968
American journalist and television news anchor, formerly with CNN and NBC News
A
Argyll Campbell
Royalty
A title held by Dukes of Argyll, heads of Clan Campbell, one of Scotland's most powerful noble families
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #954
- Total SSA Count
- 273
- Cultural Origins
- Scottish Irish American Canadian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Cam
Cammy
Bell
Pairs Well With
Campbell Grace
Campbell Rose
Campbell Jane
Campbell Ann
Campbell Marie
Campbell Elise
Campbell Kate
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Campbell is also used as a boy name, ranked #924.
View Campbell as a boy name →Similar Names
Same Origin Names (Scottish)
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Campbell
What does the name Campbell mean?
"crooked mouth" (from Scottish Gaelic). "of the crooked hill" (from Scottish Gaelic). Campbell is a Scottish Gaelic surname derived from 'cam beul,' literally meaning 'crooked mouth' or 'wry mouth' — a nickname that became a clan name. The Campbell clan is one of Scotland's most powerful and historically significant clans, and the name carries centuries of Highland history. As a first name, especially for girls, it entered American usage via the surname-as-first-name trend.
What is the origin of the name Campbell?
Campbell has Scottish Gaelic, Scottish, Irish, American, and Canadian origins. In Scottish Gaelic, it means "crooked mouth". In Scottish Gaelic, it means "of the crooked hill".
Is Campbell a boy or girl name?
Campbell is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #954. As a boy name, it is ranked #924. 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 #954 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Campbell?
Common nicknames for Campbell include Cam, Cammy, and Bell.
What are good middle names for Campbell?
Popular middle name pairings include Campbell Grace, Campbell Rose, Campbell Jane, Campbell Ann, Campbell Marie, Campbell Elise, and Campbell Kate.
What are good sibling names for Campbell?
Names that pair well with Campbell as siblings include MacKenzie, Kennedy, Sutton, Finley, Harrison, Calloway, and Quinn.
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 #954 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Campbell
Campbell is a girl name with Scottish, Irish, American, and Canadian origins . The name means "crooked mouth" in Scottish Gaelic .
Is Campbell a boy or girl name? Campbell is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #954 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #924. Campbell is more commonly used as a boy name.
Campbell is currently ranked #954 in popularity for girl 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, Cammy, and Bell. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.