Holding steady, #8,910 for boys today.
Popularity of Carmichael since 1953
Babies named Carmichael per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 19 |
| 1960s | 12 |
| 1970s | 6 |
| 1980s | 53 |
| 1990s | 38 |
| 2000s | 38 |
| 2010s | 50 |
| 2020s | 32 |
Meaning & origin
Carmichael is a rare Scottish surname-turned-given-name that has seen sporadic use in the United States since 1953. It reached its peak popularity in 2012, though even then it was uncommon. As of 2025, its rank is 8,910th, with an incidence of approximately 1 in 213,510 boys. The name has remained stable in usage, never breaking into widespread popularity. It carries a strong, traditional feel, often chosen by families with Scottish heritage or those seeking a distinctive surname-style name. While no single state shows a concentration of Carmichaels, the name's origins in Lanarkshire, Scotland, give it a geographic and historical resonance.
Carmichael is a Scottish surname that originates from the barony of Carmichael in Lanarkshire. The place name is thought to combine the Gaelic 'caer' meaning 'fort' and the personal name Michael, thus 'fort of Michael'. As a given name, Carmichael is rare and primarily used in the United States, often passed down from a family surname. It has been recorded in U.S. data since 1953.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Carmi, Mike, Car
Sibling names for Carmichael
Names that share Carmichael's style, for a brother or sister.
