Find out how popular the first name Kameo has been for the last 47 years (from 1975 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kameo by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Kameo is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 92% of people named Kameo being female.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kameo.

It's also interesting to see that despite Kameo being historically a mostly female name, the most recent data from 2021 shows a shift in the trend, with more male babies being named Kameo.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 5 baby boys were named Kameo in 2021, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Kameo

The name Kameo has its origins in the Japanese language, dating back to the late 19th century. It is a variant spelling of the name Cameo, which is derived from the Italian word "cammeo," meaning a small carved gemstone or jewel. The name Kameo was likely adopted by Japanese parents who were drawn to its unique sound and association with precious stones.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kameo can be found in the annals of the Tokugawa Shogunate, where a young samurai warrior named Kameo Takeda was celebrated for his bravery and skill in battle during the late 1600s. This early reference suggests that the name had gained some popularity among Japanese nobility and military ranks by that time.

In the world of literature, the name Kameo appears in the works of the renowned Japanese novelist and poet, Natsume Soseki (1867-1916). One of his lesser-known characters in the novel "Sanshiro" is a young woman named Kameo, whose presence serves as a symbolic representation of the beauty and allure of traditional Japanese culture.

Historically, the name Kameo has been associated with several notable individuals. One such figure was Kameo Fukushima (1891-1968), a pioneering Japanese journalist and women's rights activist who played a significant role in advocating for gender equality and female suffrage in the early 20th century.

Another prominent bearer of the name was Kameo Nishimura (1909-1997), a celebrated Japanese sculptor and ceramicist who was renowned for his innovative techniques and contributions to the world of modern art. His works have been exhibited in prestigious galleries worldwide and are held in the collections of numerous museums.

In the realm of sports, the name Kameo gained recognition through the accomplishments of Kameo Harada (1927-2019), a legendary Japanese gymnast who won multiple Olympic gold medals in the 1950s and 1960s. Her exceptional talent and dedication to her sport made her a national hero and an inspiration to generations of athletes.

While the name Kameo may have its roots in Japan, it has transcended cultural boundaries and found its way into various societies around the world. Its unique sound and association with precious gems have made it a captivating choice for parents seeking a name that reflects beauty, strength, and individuality.

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 Kameo was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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