Camilo

Meaning & origin

Camilo has seen a remarkable resurgence in the United States, reflecting broader trends in Hispanic name adoption. First recorded in the U.S. in 1909, Camilo remained sparse for decades but began a steady climb in 1987, rising through the ranks to reach a peak of rank 585 in 2022. As of 2025, it maintains that position, with an estimated 1 in 3,396 boys given the name. It is most popular in states with large Hispanic populations, such as Nevada, California, and Illinois, and ranks highest among boys in the 2020s. The name's Latin roots and saintly associations give it historical depth, while its melodic sound appeals to modern parents seeking a name with cultural resonance.

Camilo is a Spanish and Portuguese form of the Latin name Camillus, which originally referred to a youth serving as an acolyte in religious ceremonies. In Roman religion, a camillus was a boy attendant to a priest. The name was borne by several early saints, including a 4th-century martyr, and later spread across the Romance-language-speaking world. It has remained especially popular in Latin America and Italy.