What does Cameo mean and where does it come from?
The name Cameo is derived from the English word 'cameo', which references a short appearance in film or theater. It can also refer to a method of carving an image onto a surface where the background is cut away, leaving the figure raised. The use of the name for girls is modern and relatively rare.
Cultural significance
Cameo has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a beloved name with deep roots.
Peak popularity
Reached #1951 in 1980 — currently #560 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Cameo?
Cameo works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cameo Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Cameo Rose
Floral · soft ending
Cameo Mae
Sweet · timeless
Cameo Claire
French influence · crisp
Cameo Jane
Literary · strong
Cameo Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Cameo right now?
Holding steady — currently #560 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #560 | 1,640 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #565 | 1,620 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #570 | 1,590 | ▲ up 14757 · +31700% births |
| 2020 | #15327 | 5 | ▲ up 1460 |
| 2015 | #16787 | 5 | ▼ down 6496 · -50% births |
| 2005 | #10291 | 10 | ▼ down 6077 · -66% births |
| 2000 | #4214 | 29 | ▼ down 1451 · -34% births |
| 1995 | #2763 | 44 | ▲ up 353 · +22% births |
| 1990 | #3116 | 36 | ▼ down 1084 · -32% births |
| 1985 | #2032 | 53 | ▼ down 81 · -4% births |
| 1980 | #1951 | 55 | ▲ up 902 · +112% births |
| 1975 | #2853 | 26 | ▲ up 1824 · +117% births |
| 1970 | #4677 | 12 | ▲ up 73 · +33% births |
| 1965 | #4750 | 9 | ▲ up 1514 · +50% births |
| 1960 | #6264 | 6 | — |
The story of Cameo
Cameo entered American naming records in 1957 and has been in use for over 67 years. With 1,717 total births recorded, Cameo remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6264 in 1960 to #560 in 2023. Cameo is used for both genders: 87% female and 13% male.
Names that peaked alongside Cameo in 1980:
Cameo by decade
Cameo peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 11 | |
| 1960s | 95 | |
| 1970s | 290 | |
| 1980s ★ | 614 | |
| 1990s | 460 | |
| 2000s | 149 | |
| 2010s | 93 | |
| 2020s | 5 | |
💎With 1,717 total births, Cameo is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Cameo?
What names sound and feel like Cameo?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cameo also consider these
Common questions about the name Cameo
What does the name Cameo mean?
Cameo means "A beloved name with deep roots" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Cameo?
Cameo is currently ranked #560 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Cameo?
Cameo originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Cameo?
Cameo is a three-syllable name pronounced K AE1 M IY0 OW2. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Cameo?
Cameo pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.