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Camille

♀ Girl

Pronounced kah-MEEL /kəˈmiːl/High

Meaning: Attendant at religious ceremonies; helper of the priestHigh

In 30 seconds: A chic French classic meaning 'ceremonial attendant.' Camille is the definition of effortless Parisian elegance — strong enough to be the full name, graceful enough to inspire the nickname Cami.
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Origin HighFrench, Latin
MeaningAttendant at religious ceremonies; helper of the priest
U.S. rank (2025)#240 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births1,299 girls (0.07% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2012
Total births (all-time)≈ 75,709

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201218802025

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

History & Origin

Camille derives from the Latin camilla, feminine of camillus — a youth of noble birth who assisted priests during religious ceremonies in ancient Rome. Vergil immortalised the name in the Aeneid with the warrior-maiden Camilla, a swift Volscian huntress who fought against Aeneas.

The French form Camille became established as both a masculine and feminine name in France. Alexandre Dumas fils used it for the tragic heroine of La Dame aux Camélias (1848), which was adapted into Verdi's opera La Traviata, cementing the name's romantic legacy. In modern France, Camille is primarily feminine.

Did you know? The Roman camillus was a free-born youth who served as a priest's assistant during religious rites — one of the most sacred roles a young Roman could hold.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name — Camille — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

CamillaKamilleKamilla

Nicknames

CamiMillyCam

Famous Bearers

  • ★Camille Saint-Saëns (1835–1921)
    French Romantic composer, known for The Carnival of the Animals and Samson and Delilah.
  • ★Camille Claudel (1864–1943)
    French sculptor and protégée of Auguste Rodin, celebrated for her own powerful sculptural work.

If you like Camille…

Celeste— fellow French classic with the same soft, two-syllable elegance
Colette— French literary name with the same sophisticated understated charm
Elise— trim French heritage name sharing the same Parisian refinement
Amelie— French cinematic name with an equally melodic, light-footed feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Camille mean?

Camille derives from the Latin camilla, meaning 'attendant at religious ceremonies' or 'helper of the priest.'

How do you pronounce Camille?

It is said kah-MEEL /kəˈmiːl/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Camille a boy or girl name?

Camille is used for both sexes in France but is predominantly a girls' name in the English-speaking world.

How popular is Camille?

Camille has held steady in the U.S. top 200 for girls and is perennially popular in France.