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Cameron

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAM-er-un /ˈkæmərən/High

Meaning: Crooked nose; from Scottish Gaelic camshron (cam: crooked + sron: nose)High

In 30 seconds: A Scottish Gaelic clan surname meaning 'crooked nose,' used as a first name. Cameron has been a top-60 boys' name in the U.S. for decades, also used for girls.
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Origin HighScottish Gaelic
MeaningCrooked nose; from Scottish Gaelic camshron (cam: crooked + sron: nose)
Peak year2000
Total births (all-time)≈ 272,461

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200018822017

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

History & Origin

Cameron derives from the Scottish Gaelic camshron, a combination of cam (crooked, bent) and sron (nose), likely describing a physical characteristic of an early clan ancestor. The Clan Cameron is one of Scotland's most prominent Highland clans. Like many Scottish clan surnames, Cameron was adopted as a given name as Scottish heritage names crossed to North America.

Cameron entered U.S. given name charts in the mid-20th century and has been a reliable boys' name since the 1970s, ranking in the top 60. It is also used as a girls' name, making it a true unisex option, though male usage is more common. Its three-syllable flow and strong Scottish heritage give it broad, durable appeal.

Did you know? The Cameron clan is one of Scotland's most famous Highland clans, and the name's association with this powerful Scottish legacy has helped maintain its prestige as a given name.

Variations

CamronKameron

Nicknames

Cam

Famous Bearers

  • ★James Cameron (1954–)
    Canadian-American film director known for Titanic and Avatar.

If you like Cameron…

Callum— Scottish/Gaelic boys' name with the same Celtic heritage and modern appeal
Logan— popular Scottish surname-name that rose at the same time
Grant— short, strong Scottish surname in the same tradition

Frequently Asked

What does the name Cameron mean?

Cameron is a Scottish Gaelic clan name meaning 'crooked nose,' from cam (crooked) and sron (nose).

How do you pronounce Cameron?

It's said KAM-er-un /ˈkæmərən/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Cameron a boy or girl name?

Cameron is used predominantly as a boys' name in the U.S. but is also given to girls.

How popular is Cameron?

Cameron has ranked in the U.S. top 60–70 boys' names for several decades, a consistent Scottish classic.