Cameron Surname: Origin, Meaning & History

The Cameron surname is a Scottish name synonymous with Clan Cameron.  As part of my series on Scottish surnames, this article looks at the origin, meaning and history of the Cameron Surname.

If you have this surname, you may find that your ancestry goes back to Lochaber, a region in the western Highlands near Fort William.

Cameron Surname Origin and Meaning

The Cameron surname is Gaelic in origin.  There are a couple of interpretations of the name including:

• from the Gaelic words “cam” (meaning “crooked” or “bent”) and “shròn” (meaning “nose”), referring to a crooked nose of an early clan ancestor.
• from “cam abhainn”, which means “crooked river”. In this instance, the Cameron surname was probably referring to a winding river near where the family first settled.

In any case, something was crooked!

The History of the Cameron Surname

Apparently, the Camerons were descended from the early Celtic inhabitants of Scotland.  There are historical references to the name appearing as far back as the 13th century.  Some sources suggest that the Camerons originally came from Fife before establishing themselves in the Highlands.

Historical Significance of Clan Cameron 

Of course, the Cameron surname is closely associated with Clan Cameron, which became one of the dominant Highland clans.  By the 15th century, the Camerons had firmly established themselves in Lochaber.  Achnacarry Castle in Lochaber became the seat of Clan Cameron where the chiefs made their home for centuries.

The first notable clan chief was Donald Dubh, who was alive in the 1400s.  The Camerons were often engaged in feuds with neighbouring clans, particularly Clan Mackintosh and Clan MacDonald.  As a result, the clan expanded its territory and influence. 

Despite the struggles, Clan Cameron remains active today.  The Cameron Highlanders, a regiment of the British Army, was originally formed from Highlanders with the Cameron surname.  They fought in both World War I and World War II before merging with the Queen’s Own Highlanders.

Today, the current chief of the clan is Donald Cameron of Lochiel.  Clan gatherings still take place at Achnacarry Castle, where members from around the world come together to celebrate their history.

The Cameron Clan and the Jacobites

The Camerons supported Bonnie Prince Charlie.  Their leader, Donald Cameron of Lochiel (c. 1695–1748), also known as “The Gentle Lochiel“, led the clan during the Jacobite Rising of 1745.  He was one of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s allies who led an army at the Battle of Prestonpans before the Battle of Culloden.

However, the Camerons suffered harsh consequences following the Jacobites’ defeat at the Battle of Culloden.  Their lands were seized, Achnacarry Castle was burned, and strict laws were imposed to dismantle the Highland clan system.  Consequently, many Camerons were forced into exile or emigrated to North America, Australia, and the Caribbean.

Clan Cameron Tartan

The Cameron tartan includes a combination of red, green and blue colours  commonly associated with Clan Cameron of Lochiel (Image credit on this website: Crown (c) The Scottish Register of Tartans)

Cameron Clan Crest

The Cameron clan crest has a sheaf of 5 arrows bound together with a belt and buckle, to symbolise strength and unity.  The clan motto, “Aonaibh Ri Chéile“, means “Unite” in English.

Variations of the Cameron Surname

Over time, the surname has several variations due to regional dialects and phonetic spellings.  Variants found outside Scotland include Cammeron, Kameron, and Cambron, among others.  Interestingly, I have not come across any variants on Scottish gravestones—let me know if you have seen a variation of the Cameron surname on a Scottish gravestone.  Even better, send me a photo!

Famous People with the Cameron Surname

Many individuals with the Cameron surname have gained prominence in various fields:

• Sir Ewen Cameron of Lochiel (1629–1719): Resisted Oliver Cromwell’s forces and defended the clan’s independence.
• Richard Cameron (1648–1680): A Scottish Presbyterian minister and leader of the Covenanters.
• Julia Margaret Cameron (1815–1879): A pioneering British photographer.
• David Cameron (b.  1966): Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (2010–2016).
• James Cameron (b.  1954): Film director behind Titanic and Avatar.
• Commander Donald Cameron, (1916–1961): A Scottish naval officer who was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery during Operation Source, a mission to damage the German battleship Tirpitz in World War II.

Tracing Your Cameron Family History

For those interested in researching their Cameron surname genealogy, there are several valuable resources available:

• Scottish census records
• Parish registers
• Immigration and ship passenger lists
• Clan Cameron archives

Alternatively, if you need help, get in touch to see how we can work together to uncover your Cameron ancestry.