Camper first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Camper has been for the last 1 years (from 2016 to 2016) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Camper

One who travels and lives outdoors in a tent or recreational vehicle.

Popularity of Camper by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Camper is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2016, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Camper.

Year Male Count Female Count
2016 5 0

The history of the first name Camper

The name Camper is believed to have originated from the Middle English word "campen," which means "to encamp" or "to lodge." This word itself derives from the Old French "camper," meaning "to pitch a camp." The name Camper likely emerged during the Late Medieval period, around the 13th to 15th centuries, when it was associated with individuals who were travelers, explorers, or soldiers who frequently camped or lodged outdoors.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Camper can be found in the chronicles of the Hundred Years' War between England and France, which took place from 1337 to 1453. During this conflict, there are mentions of soldiers and mercenaries with the surname Camper, suggesting that the name was already in use as a descriptive term for those who lived a nomadic or encamped lifestyle.

In the 16th century, the name Camper gained prominence with the Dutch Golden Age painter, Camper Fabritius (1622-1654). Born in Middenbeemster, Netherlands, Fabritius was a pupil of Rembrandt and is renowned for his masterpiece, "The Goldfinch," which hangs in the Mauritshuis museum in The Hague.

Another notable figure with the name Camper was the Dutch anatomist and obstetrician, Petrus Camper (1722-1789). He made significant contributions to the study of human anatomy, particularly in the field of craniometry, which involves measuring and classifying skulls. Camper's facial angle, a method he developed for measuring the profile of the human face, was widely used in the 18th and 19th centuries.

In the realm of literature, one cannot overlook the American author and naturalist, Walter Camper (1867-1952). Born in New York, Camper is best known for his book "Camping and Woodcraft," which became a seminal work on outdoor skills and wilderness survival techniques.

Another prominent individual with the name Camper was the American football player and coach, Camper Russell (1923-2011). Russell played as a defensive back for the Cleveland Browns in the late 1940s and later served as a coach for several teams in the National Football League (NFL).

While the name Camper may not be as prevalent as some other names, it carries a rich history and has been borne by individuals from various fields, including art, science, literature, and sports. The name's association with camping, exploration, and outdoor living has endured throughout its evolution, making it a unique and evocative choice for those with a love for adventure and the natural world.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Camper was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Camper, please contact us.

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"Camper first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on May 1, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/camper-meaning-and-history/.

"Camper first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/camper-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 1 May, 2025

Camper first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/camper-meaning-and-history/.

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