Cameron has a surprisingly literal origin for such a polished name. It comes from the Scottish Gaelic camshròn, which means 'crooked nose.' The name was originally a nickname for someone with a distinctive nose and became a surname for the clan Cameron, one of the most powerful Highland clans. The clan played a significant role in Scottish history, supporting the Stuart kings and fighting in the Jacobite uprisings. As a given name, Cameron was rare until the 20th century, when it began to be used in the United States and the United Kingdom. It gained significant popularity in the 1990s, becoming a top 50 name for boys in America. Cameron is also used for girls, though it remains predominantly male. Its appeal comes from its Scottish heritage, its strong sound, and its slightly unexpected meaning.