Cameron: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Cameron mean and stand for as a girl's name?

Meaning:

Scottish: Crooked nose
Gaelic: Bent or crooked stream

Gender: Female, unisex

Syllables: 3

Pronunciation: The name Cameron is pronounced kam-er-on

As a girl's name, Cameron maintains the same roots and meanings as its use for boys, reflecting its unisex nature. Originating from Scottish and Gaelic, Cameron means "crooked nose" or "bent stream." It comes from the Gaelic cam ("crooked") and sròn ("nose"). Variations of Cameron that are especially popular amongst girls in the United States nclude Camryn and Kamryn.

Girl name variations

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Cameron mean and stand for as a boy's name?

Meaning:

Scottish: Crooked nose
Gaelic: Bent or crooked stream

Gender: Unisex

Syllables: 3

Pronunciation: The name Cameron is pronounced kam-er-on

As a boy's name, Cameron retains its original Scottish and Gaelic roots of cam sròn, meaning "bent nose" or "crooked stream." It is believed to have come from a nickname for an early member of a Scottish clan. Its unisex nature and unique sound have made Cameron a favored choice among parents seeking a name that balances tradition with a contemporary appeal.

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

Scottish: The surname Cameron is of Scottish origin, and it dates back to the early clans of Scotland. In the lowlands of Scotland, Cameron is also a habitual name from any of various places called Cameron, especially in Fife.

Famous people with this last name

Kirk Cameron

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Michael Douglas

Cameron in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Cameron Frye from Ferris Bueller's Day Off - The anxious best friend of Ferris Bueller who learns to stand up for himself over the course of the film.
Cameron Tucker from Modern Family - A flamboyant and endearing character who is one half of the show's key LGBTQ+ couple.
Cameron Howe from Halt and Catch Fire - A talented computer programmer and co-founder of the startup company Mutiny.
Cameron James from 10 Things I Hate About You - A high school student who is determined to win the heart of Bianca Stratford.
Cameron Bale from Point Pleasant - A mysterious and brooding character entangled with the supernatural events in the series.

Popularity of the Name Cameron

According to Social Security Administration data, the name Cameron has seen a consistent presence in the rankings of popular baby names in the U.S. Over the years, it has maintained a spot within the top 100, illustrating its enduring appeal.

Historically, the name Cameron is Scottish in origin, derived from the Gaelic cam sròn, meaning "crooked nose." Notable individuals named Cameron include filmmaker Cameron Crowe, known for directing Almost Famous and Jerry Maguire, and actor Cameron Diaz, famous for her roles in There's Something About Mary and Charlie's Angels. Other famous Camerons include: Cameron Bender, Cameron Boyce, Cameron Britton, Cameron Dallas, and Cameron Richardson.

In the realm of fiction, the name Cameron has been used for characters such as Cameron Tucker from the TV series Modern Family and Dr. Allison Cameron from the medical drama House M.D.