Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Camden
BoyOld English, English· “enclosed valley”
- Meaning
- enclosed valley
- Origin
- Old English, English
- Pronunciation
- KAM-dihn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #205
- US babies 2025
- 1,722
- Best rank
- #99 (2013)
- Peak year
- 2013
Meaning and origin of Camden
Camden is an Old English and English name that is usually said to mean “enclosed valley”.
Camden is an English surname taken from a place name, usually explained as "valley with enclosures", from Old English elements for an enclosure or field and a valley; it is associated with Chipping Campden in the Cotswolds. The London borough of Camden takes its name from Camden Place, the residence of Charles Pratt, first Earl Camden, and several American cities, including Camden in New Jersey and Maine, share the name. As a first name Camden has a relaxed, preppy feel. Cam is the natural nickname, and the name sits comfortably with other place-name choices such as Hudson.
Popularity over time
Camden first appears in US Social Security records in 1915. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 36 different years, starting in 1990. Its best national rank was #99 in 2013, the same year it reached its highest count of 3,897 babies. In 2025, 1,722 babies were named Camden, and it ranked #205 nationally. That is 54% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #3,884 in 1920, #2,630 in 1980, #362 in 2000, #180 in 2010, and #205 in 2025. Of the 59,178 US boys named Camden since records began, 50% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 14,126 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Damian, Maxwell, Braxton, Brantley, and Kaiden.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Camden ranked highest in North Dakota, Maryland, and Virginia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | #73 | 15 |
| Maryland | #101 | 55 |
| Virginia | #118 | 72 |
| Kansas | #119 | 32 |
| New Hampshire | #121 | 12 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 95% of US babies named Camden over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Camden is usually pronounced KAM-dihn, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with C and ends in “-en”.
Middle names for Camden
A few middle names that flow with Camden: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Camden
Similar names
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HAY-duhn
“hay valley” · English
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HOHL-den
“hollow valley” · Old English
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Preston Boy
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“priest's town” · English
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“king's town” · English
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Landen Boy
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Leighton Unisex
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“leek enclosure or herb garden” · English
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Trenton Boy
TREN-tun
“Trent's town” · English
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Rowen Unisex
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“little red one; also rowan tree” · Irish
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Harlan Boy
HAHR-luhn
“from an English place name” · English
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Marlow Unisex
MAHR-loh
“remnant of a lake” · English
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Lists that include Camden
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Camden mean?
Camden is an Old English and English name that is usually said to mean “enclosed valley”.
What is the origin of the name Camden?
Camden has Old English and English roots. Camden is an English surname taken from a place name, usually explained as "valley with enclosures", from Old English elements for an enclosure or field and a valley; it is associated with Chipping Campden in the Cotswolds.
Is Camden a popular name?
Yes. Camden ranked #205 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Camden a boy or girl name?
Camden is mainly a boy's name. About 95% of US babies named Camden over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Camden?
Camden is usually pronounced KAM-dihn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings