A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Carmelita since 1887
Babies named Carmelita per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 16 |
| 1890s | 90 |
| 1900s | 127 |
| 1910s | 350 |
| 1920s | 669 |
| 1930s | 772 |
| 1940s | 748 |
| 1950s | 970 |
| 1960s | 909 |
| 1970s | 968 |
| 1980s | 562 |
| 1990s | 353 |
| 2000s | 221 |
| 2010s | 144 |
| 2020s | 66 |
Meaning & origin
Carmelita is a rare feminine name in the United States, first recorded in 1887. It reached its peak popularity in 1973, during a revival of Spanish and Italian names in the 1970s. As of 2025, the name ranks 7,491 and is given to roughly 1 in every 114,805 girls, placing it among the more unusual choices for this decade. Since 2022, its trajectory has been rising, indicating a small but renewed interest. Carmelita's connections to the Carmelite religious order and its melodic sound make it a distinctive option with deep Catholic and cultural roots, particularly in Hispanic and Italian communities. While its current usage is modest, its historical peak and gentle rise suggest a name with enduring charm.
Carmelita is a diminutive of Carmela, the Spanish and Italian feminine form of Carmel, which derives from Hebrew 'kerem' (vineyard) and 'El' (God), referring to Mount Carmel in Israel. The name gained popularity in Catholic contexts due to the devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. As a given name, it became common in Spanish- and Italian-speaking communities, especially in the 20th century.
Where Carmelita is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Carmen, Lita, Mela, Carmi
Sibling names for Carmelita
Names that share Carmelita's style, for a brother or sister.
