Holding steady.
Popularity of Karmel since 1955
Babies named Karmel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 22 | 0 |
| 1960s | 56 | 0 |
| 1970s | 32 | 0 |
| 1980s | 11 | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 | 15 |
| 2010s | 11 | 6 |
| 2020s | 5 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Karmel is a rare spelling variant of Carmel, a name tied to Mount Carmel in Israel and the Catholic title 'Our Lady of Mount Carmel.' Despite its first recorded use in the United States in 1955, Karmel has never entered the top 1000 names. It saw a minor peak in 1966, with just a few dozen births, and has remained stable at very low levels ever since. The name did not appear on any state-level ranking lists. As a gender-neutral option with a gentle, nature-inspired meaning, Karmel appeals to families looking for an underused alternative to more common biblical or place-based names.
Karmel is a variant spelling of Carmel, a name derived from the Hebrew word 'kerem' meaning 'vineyard' or 'orchard,' referring to Mount Carmel in Israel. It has been used in English-speaking countries since the 19th century, often in Catholic families honoring Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The variant Karmel emerged in the mid-20th century, first recorded in the United States in 1955.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Karmi, Mel, Kara
Sibling names for Karmel
Names that share Karmel's style, for a brother or sister.
