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Cameron

KAM-ren
Scottish surname
"crooked nose"
Sophie Kihm
By Sophie Kihm
Updated Mon Sep 02 2024

Cameron Origin and Meaning

The name Cameron is a boy's name of Scottish origin meaning "crooked nose".

With its friendly, sensitive, and approachable feel, Cameron is a 90’s favorite that remains popular today. It has a pleasing balance of soft and strong sounds, and holds unisex appeal, thanks to Cameron Diaz. Still, ten times more boys than girls are named Cameron in the US.

Derived from a Scottish surname which in turn comes from the name of a West Highland Clan, Cameron means “crooked nose” in Gaelic.

Not the best of meanings, perhaps, but it is likely to have originated from a nickname given to an 8th century member of the clan. Such nicknames were common in Highland culture, and it lends the name a rugged, outdoorsy feel.

Used sporadically in the early half of the 20th century, Cameron became a popular choice in Scotland from the 50’s onwards. Shortly afterward, it began to accelerate up the US charts, really taking off in the 90’s, and peaking at #31 in the year 2000.

Its popularity spread to Australia, England and Wales, Canada, and to France too, where it remained a top choice into the early 2010’s. Since then, it has been on a mostly downwards trajectory, though it is still given to 5000 boys – and 600 girls – in the US every year.

Many will associate it with Cameron Frye, the anxious, slightly awkward, but good-hearted best friend in the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Actress Cameron Diaz is another memorable namesake, whose fame popularized Cameron as an option for girls too.

A favorite in the sporting world, the name is worn by American footballer Cameron Jerell Newton, tennis player Cameron Norrie, and Olympic swimmer Cameron McEvoy, just to list a few.

These sporty associations help to give Cameron an energetic vibe to complements its soft and calmer sounds, giving it a more “all-rounder” feel.

Enjoy Cameron, but feeling put off by its meaning or popularity? You could try Camden, Caspian, Callum, Callahan, Cormack, or Cambell instead.

# 58 in the US

Cameron Rank in US Top 1000

# 115 on Nameberry

Cameron Rank in Nameberry Top 1000

Cameron Popularity

Famous People Named Cameron

  • Cameron Bruce CroweAmerican film director and producer
  • Cameron Mitchell (born Cameron McDowell Mitzel)American actor
  • Cameron "Cam" McConvilleAustralian racing driver
  • Cameron Jerrell "Cam" NewtonAmerican football player
  • Cameron Phillips HeywardAmerican football player
  • (Derek) Cameron WakeAmerican football player
  • Cameron Thomaz aka Wiz KhalifaAmerican rapper
  • Cameron Anthony MackintoshBritish film producer
  • Cameron Ezike Giles aka Cam'ronAmerican rapper
  • Cameron Matthew Followillmusician with American band Kings of Leon
  • Cameron John "CJ" AdamsAmerican actor
  • Cameron Riley MonaghanAmerican actor
  • Cameron Alexander DallasAmerican Viner and actor
  • Cameron van der BurghSouth African swimmer
  • Cameron McEvoyAustralian swimmer
  • Cameron Morrell DouglasAmerican actor, son of actor Michael Douglas
  • Cameron Marley Buffettson of singer Jimmy Buffett
  • Cameron Ninoson of model and beauty queen Kimmarie Johnson
  • Cameron Hallyday (b. 2004)son of singer and racing driver David Hallyday
  • Cameron Kade Michaelsson of wrestler Shawn Michaels
  • Cameron Lincoln Cotter (b. 2016)son of singers Melanie Fiona and Jared Cotter
  • Cole Cameron Leinart (b. 2006)son of NFL player Matt Leinart
  • James CameronCanadian director
  • Kirk CameronAmerican actor
  • Cameron BoyceAmerican Actor
  • Cameron BrittonCanadian Actor

Cameron in Pop Culture

  • Cameron Fryecharacter in movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"
  • Cameron Turnermain character on TV's "Alien Dawn"
  • Cameron Hickscharacter on TV's "Alphas"
  • Cameron Jamescharacter in movie "10 things I hate about You"
  • Cameron Bledsoecharacter on TV's "Switched at Birth"
  • Cameron Parkscharacter on TV's "A.N.T. Farm"
  • Cameron Blackmain character on TV’s “Deception”
  • Cameron Tuckercharacter on TV's "Modern Family"
  • Dr. David Cameroncharacter on TV's "Queer as Folk"
  • Cameroncharacter on TV's "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles"
  • Cameron Mitchellcharacter on TV's "Stargate SG,1"
  • Cameron Marshcharacter on TV's "Evermoor"
  • Cameron Campbellcharacter in the Rooster Teeth animated series "Camp Camp"

Cameron in Nameberry Blog Posts