A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Carmi since 1916
Babies named Carmi per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 0 | 10 |
| 1920s | 0 | 13 |
| 1930s | 0 | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 | 0 |
| 1950s | 17 | 5 |
| 1960s | 11 | 5 |
| 1970s | 7 | 0 |
| 1980s | 5 | 0 |
| 1990s | 5 | 0 |
| 2000s | 6 | 0 |
| 2010s | 6 | 0 |
| 2020s | 17 | 22 |
Meaning & origin
Carmi is a rare biblical name that has seen modest use in the United States since the mid-20th century. First recorded in 1956, the name peaked in popularity in 1978, though it remained uncommon even then. After a period of decline, Carmi has been rising in usage since 2020, reflecting a broader revival of biblical and vintage names from the 1970s decade. Its exact meaning remains uncertain, but the name's simplicity and connection to Hebrew heritage make it a distinctive choice.
Carmi appears in the Hebrew Bible as a name of several individuals, including a son of Reuben (Genesis 46:9) and a descendant of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:1). It is derived from the Hebrew word 'kerem' meaning 'vineyard', often understood as 'my vineyard'. Despite this ancient origin, the name has seen limited adoption in English-speaking countries, emerging in the mid-20th century in the United States.
Sibling names for Carmi
Names that share Carmi's style, for a brother or sister.
