Carmel

Meaning & origin

Carmel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning 'vineyard, garden, or orchard of God,' drawn from the biblical Mount Carmel. It was first recorded in the United States in 1888 and reached its peak popularity in 1914. After a period of decline, the name has been rising again since 2017. As of 2025, Carmel ranks 4987th nationally, with a frequency of about 1 in 61,818 births. It has historically been used for both genders, with California being the top state for bearers in recent decades. While never among the most common names, Carmel has a gentle, nature-inspired sound that appeals to parents seeking a name with biblical roots but without heavy usage.

Carmel derives from the Hebrew כַּרְמֶל (Karmel), meaning 'vineyard,' 'garden,' or 'orchard of God.' In the Hebrew Bible, Mount Carmel is a coastal mountain range in northern Israel, associated with the prophet Elijah and lush fertility. The name has been used in English-speaking countries since the 19th century, often as a feminine given name, but also occasionally for boys. Its popularity peaked in the early 20th century, particularly around 1914, and has seen a modest revival in recent years.