All about the name

Camile

Male

« Camille is a sophisticated French feminine given name derived from "camelie," meaning "camellia" flower. »

#24375 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Camille is a feminine given name of French origin. It is derived from the French word "camelie," which means "camellia," the flowering plant known for its large, colorful blooms. The name Camille has been popular among French speakers since the Middle Ages and was even used by some royalty, such as Marie-Antoinette's younger sister, Archduchess Marie Anne of Austria. The name gained further popularity after it was used in several works of literature. In Alexandre Dumas' novel "La Dame aux Camélias," the main character is a courtesan named Marguerite Gautier, who is also known as Camille. This story was later adapted into an opera by Verdi and a ballet by John Neumeier. Additionally, George Bernard Shaw's play "Candida" features a character named Eugene Marchbanks who is obsessed with a woman called Camille. In English-speaking countries, the name Camille began to gain popularity in the latter half of the 20th century. Today, it is considered a stylish and sophisticated choice for a girl's name. While it remains more popular in France and other French-speaking countries, it has also gained traction in the United States and other English-speaking nations. In terms of spelling variations, Camille can also be found written as Camila or Camilla, especially in English-speaking countries where these spellings are more common for names of Latin origin. However, all three forms are ultimately derived from the same source: the French word for camellia. Overall, the name Camille is a elegant and distinctive choice with a rich history and a lovely meaning related to beauty and elegance.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Camile since 1880

Total births
33
Total since 1880
Peak year
1917
6 births
in 1932
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years