Rising since 1989, #617 for girls today.
Popularity of Campbell since 1881
Babies named Campbell per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 20 |
| 1890s | 0 | 18 |
| 1900s | 0 | 17 |
| 1910s | 0 | 152 |
| 1920s | 0 | 190 |
| 1930s | 0 | 95 |
| 1940s | 0 | 131 |
| 1950s | 0 | 106 |
| 1960s | 0 | 93 |
| 1970s | 0 | 91 |
| 1980s | 5 | 103 |
| 1990s | 250 | 640 |
| 2000s | 2,957 | 1,564 |
| 2010s | 2,522 | 1,610 |
| 2020s | 1,566 | 1,384 |
Meaning & origin
Campbell is a Scottish surname-turned-first name that has been on a steady upward trajectory since it first appeared in U.S. naming records in 1989. In 2025, it ranked 617th nationally, with a frequency of 1 in 3,391 births. The name reached its peak popularity that same year, reflecting a broader trend of surname names crossing over. It is most concentrated in the southern states, particularly Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas, which align with its top regional usage. The meaning, 'crooked mouth,' comes from the Gaelic 'cam béal,' a clan nickname that became a prominent Scottish surname. As a given name, it has a crisp, preppy sound suitable for any gender.
Campbell is of Scottish and Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic 'cam béal', meaning 'crooked mouth' or 'wry mouth'. Originally a descriptive nickname, it became the name of a prominent Scottish clan, the Clan Campbell, historically based in Argyll. The name spread across the English-speaking world as a surname and later gained use as a given name, especially in the United States and Canada.
Where Campbell is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Campbell
Names that share Campbell's style, for a brother or sister.
