A Scottish surname meaning 'crooked mouth,' one of the most prominent Highland clans. Also used as a given name in English-speaking countries.
From Scottish Gaelic 'cam beul' meaning 'crooked mouth' or 'wry mouth,' possibly referring to a facial characteristic of an early clan ancestor. The Campbell clan became one of Scotland's most powerful Highland families.
Despite meaning 'crooked mouth,' the Campbell clan became known as 'the race of Diarmid' after a legendary Celtic hero, showing how clan identities could transcend their literal name meanings. The Campbells were unusual among Highland clans for consistently supporting the British government, earning them both power and the enmity of other clans.
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