Origin & Meaning of the Campbell Surname
What does the last name Campbell mean?
The surname Campbell carries the meaning "From the Gaelic cam beul meaning 'crooked mouth'." It is derived from the Scottish Gaelic language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 386,157 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Campbell ranks as the #47 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Campbell come from?
The Campbell surname has its roots in Scottish heritage. Names of Scottish origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Campbell name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Campbell trace back to Scottish Gaelic. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Campbell |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From the Gaelic cam beul meaning 'crooked mouth' |
| Origin | Scottish |
| Language | Scottish Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #47 |
| US Count (2010) | 386,157 |
| Per 100K People | 130.91 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Campbell
According to the US Census, the Campbell surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 386,157 Americans with the Campbell last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 73.66% |
| Black | 20.47% |
| Hispanic | 2.49% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.53% |
| Native American | 0.71% |
| Two or More Races | 2.13% |
Popularity of Campbell Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Campbell surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Campbell surname increased by 14,204 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Campbell
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