The baby name Camaro debuted in the U.S. baby name data — both as a girl name and as a boy name, notably — in 1967:
- 1969: unlisted
- 1968: unlisted
- 1967: 7 baby girls and 5 baby boys named Camaro [double-debut]
- 1966: unlisted
- 1965: unlisted
Why?
Because the Chevrolet Camaro, a pony car created to compete with the Ford Mustang, was put on the market in September of 1966.
How did the company come up with the car’s name? At a press conference in mid-1966, Pete Estes (president of the Chevrolet Division of GM) said:
The name Camaro means friend, pal or comrade. Thus, it suggests the real mission of our new automobile – to be a close companion to its owner, tailored to reflect his or her individual tastes and at the same time provide exciting personal transportation.
Chevrolet has chosen a name which is lithe and graceful and in keeping with our other names beginning with ‘C.’ It suggests the comradeship of good friends – as a personal car should be to its owner.
The next year, a Chevy Camaro (driven by Mauri Rose) was the pace car at the Indianapolis 500.
What are your thoughts on Camaro as a baby name?
Sources: Chevrolet gave car a ‘lithe and graceful’ name – Automotive News, Chevy Camaro (1967-1968) – Classic Car History