Origin and meaning of the name Carmel

Carmel is a name of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew word "Karmel," which means vineyard or garden. In the Bible, Mount Carmel is mentioned several times, notably as the site where Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18. Over time, the name has been used for both males and females, but it is more commonly associated with females today. The name became popular in Europe during the Middle Ages due to the Order of Carmelites, a Catholic religious order named after Mount Carmel in Israel.

Learn more about the origin of the name Carmel

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Carmel

The name Carmel originates from Hebrew and Arabic roots, with both sources tracing it back to a place-name meaning "garden" or "vineyard." In the Old Testament, Mount Carmel is a significant location where Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal. Over time, the name has been associated with this biblical mountain and its monastic traditions. As a female given name, it became popular in Europe during the Middle Ages, and was later adopted by English speakers due to associations with the Catholic Order of Carmelites, also known as the Discalced Carmelites or the Carmelite nuns. The name Carmel is also associated with the fragrant flower called Carmel, which originated in the Mediterranean region. Today, Carmel is a common given name for both boys and girls in various countries around the world.

Character traits associated with the name Carmel

Carmel is often associated with qualities such as intelligence, creativity, and independence. Individuals named Carmel are typically described as being insightful and thoughtful, with a strong sense of curiosity that drives them to seek out new ideas and perspectives. They possess a deep emotional sensitivity and a natural ability to empathize with others, making them compassionate and understanding friends and companions. Carmel individuals are also known for their determination and resilience, often demonstrating a tenacity in pursuing their goals and overcoming obstacles. Their creative minds may lead them to excel in fields such as art, literature, or music, where they can express their unique perspectives and ideas. Overall, those named Carmel are complex and dynamic individuals with a rich inner life and a strong desire to make a positive impact on the world around them.

Popularity of the name Carmel

The first name Carmel, of Hebrew origin meaning "vineyard" or "garden," has been relatively uncommon but shows a steady presence in various parts of the world. In the United States, for instance, it ranks outside the top 1000 most popular female names since the mid-20th century, as per the Social Security Administration data. However, its popularity may vary by region and cultural context. For example, in countries such as Ireland or England, Carmel has a slightly higher ranking due to its association with the Virgin Mary's title "Our Lady of Mount Carmel." In recent years, there's been a slight revival of interest in unique and vintage names, which could potentially influence the popularity of Carmel in some circles.

Famous people with the name Carmel

Carmel is a unisex given name that has been borne by several notable individuals across various fields. One well-known figure with this name is Carmelite Sister Teresa of Calcutta, better known as Mother Teresa, who was a Roman Catholic nun and missionary famous for her humanitarian work among the poor in India and throughout the world, for which she received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. In the field of entertainment, Carmen Electra is an American actress, singer, model, and television personality, known for her roles in Baywatch, Scary Movie, and various music videos. Another notable figure is Carmel Snow, an American fashion editor who served as the editor-in-chief of Harper's Bazaar from 1934 to 1958, playing a significant role in promoting the careers of designers like Coco Chanel and Christian Dior.

Variations of the name Carmel

Carmel is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin, meaning "vineyard" or "garden." It has several variations in different languages and cultures.

In English, the common variations include:
- Carmela
- Carmina
- Carmella
- Carmen (which also has Spanish origins)

Carmel can also be spelled with a variety of diacritical marks in other languages, such as:
- Carmél (French)
- Karmel (German and Dutch)
- Carmela (Italian, Polish, and Portuguese)
- Кармелита (Russian)
- קרמלית (Hebrew)

These variations demonstrate the international popularity of the name Carmel throughout history.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "carmel"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends