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Camden

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAM-den /ˈkæm.dən/High

Meaning: Winding valley or enclosed valley — from Old English/Gaelic place-name elements meaning a winding or enclosed valleyMedium

In 30 seconds: An English and Scottish place-name meaning 'winding valley,' Camden is a stylish surname-name associated with the iconic Camden Market in London and the Camden district of Washington, D.C.
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Origin MediumOld English, Scottish Gaelic
MeaningWinding valley or enclosed valley — from Old English/Gaelic place-name elements meaning a winding or enclosed valley
Peak year2013
Total births (all-time)≈ 41,958

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201319152017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Camden is an English and Scottish place-name of uncertain but likely Old English origin, possibly from elements meaning 'crooked' or 'enclosed' and 'valley.' The most famous bearer of the surname was William Camden (1551–1623), the great English antiquary and historian. Camden, New Jersey, and Camden, South Carolina, are among the American towns bearing the name.

Camden began appearing as a given name in the United States in the 1990s and has grown strongly since, entering the U.S. top 200 boys' names in the 2010s. It fits the fashion for -den and -ton place-name surnames (Hayden, Landon, Holden) used as given names. Its cool London association adds urban cachet.

Did you know? Camden Town in London's north became the center of the British punk and alternative music scene in the 1970s and 1980s, hosting iconic venues and its famous market. Camden's association with creativity and counterculture gives the name an unexpectedly edgy edge.

Variations

Kamden

Nicknames

Cam

Famous Bearers

  • ★William Camden (1551–1623)
    English antiquary and historian, author of Britannia, the most celebrated early survey of Britain.

If you like Camden…

Landon— two-syllable Old English place-name surname with the same modern appeal
Hayden— Old English place-name surname sharing Camden's -den ending
Easton— two-syllable English place-name surname popular with similar audiences

Frequently Asked

What does the name Camden mean?

Camden is an English place-name likely meaning 'winding valley' or 'enclosed valley' from Old English elements, though the exact etymology is uncertain.

How do you pronounce Camden?

Camden is pronounced KAM-den /ˈkæm.dən/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Camden a boy or girl name?

Camden is used primarily as a boys' name.

How popular is Camden?

Camden entered the U.S. top 200 boys' names in the 2010s and continues to rise as place-name surname-names remain fashionable.