Declining since 1985.
Popularity of Carman since 1901
Babies named Carman per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | 0 | 5 |
| 1910s | 34 | 149 |
| 1920s | 96 | 222 |
| 1930s | 108 | 175 |
| 1940s | 145 | 126 |
| 1950s | 293 | 141 |
| 1960s | 540 | 108 |
| 1970s | 535 | 76 |
| 1980s | 262 | 45 |
| 1990s | 197 | 31 |
| 2000s | 136 | 6 |
| 2010s | 55 | 0 |
| 2020s | 6 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Carman is a variant spelling of Carmen that saw limited but notable use in the 20th century. First recorded in the U.S. in 1914, it reached its peak rank of 883 in 1973, during a period when Carmen itself was more popular. Since 1985, its usage has been steadily declining, and it no longer appears in national rankings as of 2025. The name has never been concentrated in any particular state, but its trajectory reflects a broader trend away from mid-century Carmen variants. Parents considering Carman today may be drawn to its strong, straightforward sound and its connection to the more familiar Carmen.
Carman is a variant spelling of Carmen, itself derived from the Latin 'carmen' meaning 'song' or 'poem'. It also may be linked to the Hebrew 'karmel' meaning 'garden' or 'vineyard'. The spelling Carman emerged in English-speaking countries, possibly as a masculine form or a respelling, and saw modest use in the mid-20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Carm, Cari
Sibling names for Carman
Names that share Carman's style, for a brother or sister.
