Campbell Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Campbell come from? What does the surname Campbell mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Campbell and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Campbell Origin: What does the last name Campbell mean?
Campbell is a Scottish surname originating from the Gaelic roots cam ("crooked") and beul ("mouth"), translating to "crooked mouth" or "wry mouthed." Clan Campbell, one of the largest Highland clans, traces its roots to the ancient Britons of Strathclyde. Between 1200 and 1500, the Campbells rose to prominence in Scotland, dominating Argyll and extending their influence from Edinburgh to the Hebrides and western Highlands. The surname spread globally due to Scottish emigration from the 18th century onwards, with significant populations in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Ireland, particularly in Ulster. Today, Campbell ranks as the third most common surname in Northern Ireland, seventh in Scotland, and 41st in the United States.
YourRoots data indicates the Campbell surname's presence in Scotland from the early 11th century, with increased occurrences in the United States from the 17th century onwards. The surname's global expansion is evident, with a significant presence in countries like Canada, Australia, and Jamaica. With its rich Scottish heritage and widespread distribution, the Campbell surname continues to be a prevalent and influential name across various regions and cultures worldwide.
Campbell Last Name History: Where did the last name Campbell come from?
Origin of Campbell Surname: Where does the last name Campbell originate from?
The earliest record of the surname Campbell appears in the YourRoots database from Scotland during the early 11th century. Please remember, this information only reflects the exact spelling 'Campbell' from YourRoots and does not include other potential sources or spelling variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Campbell: What does the Campbell surname history look like in the early days?
The Campbell surname prominently features in Scotland from the 11th through the 16th centuries based on the YourRoots data. From the 17th century, the surname Campbell began to show an increased frequency in the United States, indicating the beginning of its global expansion. It's important to mention that a more detailed analysis might reveal Campbell families in other countries during this period as well.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Campbell surname today?
The volume of records associated with the Campbell surname experienced a notable growth in the United States, surpassing Scotland by the 18th century. This trend has continued up to the 21st century, making the United States the country with the highest occurrence of the surname Campbell today. The Campbell surname has a global presence and can be found in a wide range of countries, likely including but not limited to, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland, based on the YourRoots database.
Explore Campbell last name heritage and Campbell surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Campbell Surame?
Neve Campbell
Neve Adrianne Campbell (October 3, 1973 - ) is a Canadian actress known for her roles in horror and thriller films, as well as in popular franchises like "Scream" and "House of Cards." Campbell gained international fame for her portrayal of Sidney Prescott in the "Scream" franchise and has also appeared in blockbusters like "Wild Things" and "Skyscraper." With a background in ballet, Campbell transitioned to acting in her teens and made her mark in both television and film. She continues to captivate audiences with her versatile performances and has remained a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Sol Campbell
Sulzeer Jeremiah "Sol" Campbell (born 18 Sep, 1974) is an English former professional footballer and current manager. Known as one of the best centre-backs of his time, Campbell spent 20 years in the Premier League and had an illustrious international career with the England national team. He played for top clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, winning multiple league and FA Cup titles. Campbell also represented England in six major tournaments and was named in the Team of the Tournament for the 2002 World Cup. After retiring from playing, he transitioned into coaching and management, leading clubs like Macclesfield Town and Southend United.
Naomi Campbell
Naomi Elaine Campbell (born May 22, 1970) is a British fashion model known for being one of the original supermodels of her generation. She was the first black woman to appear on the covers of Time and Vogue France. Campbell has also dabbled in music, acting, and television hosting. Despite controversies, she remains a prominent figure in the fashion industry and continues to be involved in charity work.
Glen Campbell
Glen Travis Campbell (April 22, 1936 – August 8, 2017) was an American country music legend known for hits like "Rhinestone Cowboy" and "Wichita Lineman." He was a Grammy-winning singer, guitarist, and actor, hosting The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour. Campbell, diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, retired in 2013, leaving behind a lasting musical legacy.
Tevin Campbell
Tevin Jermod Campbell (born Nov 12, 1976) is an American singer and songwriter known for his hits like "Can We Talk" and "Tell Me What You Want Me to Do". Campbell rose to fame in the early 1990s with his Platinum-selling debut album, T.E.V.I.N., and continued to release music throughout the decade. He also ventured into acting, appearing in films like Prince's Graffiti Bridge and voicing Powerline in Disney's A Goofy Movie. With five Grammy Award nominations and 5 million records sold in the U.S., Campbell remains a prominent figure in the music industry.
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