Karmela

Meaning & origin

Karmela is a rare feminine name that appeared in U.S. birth records starting in 1965, with a peak in usage in 2019. As an Italian and Spanish variant of Carmela, it reflects the enduring appeal of names with religious and natural roots. The name's trajectory has been stable, never breaking into mainstream popularity but maintaining a consistent presence. In 2025, Karmela ranked 10,917th, with roughly 1 in 200,908 newborn girls receiving the name. Its rarity gives it a distinctive charm for parents seeking a name with a gentle, melodic sound and a connection to the biblical Mount Carmel. While not associated with any specific U.S. states, it carries a Mediterranean warmth that resonates with families honoring Italian or Spanish heritage.

Karmela is a spelling variant of Carmela, the feminine form of Carmelo. Both names derive from the Hebrew 'Karmel' (כַּרְמֶל), meaning 'garden' or 'orchard,' and refer to Mount Carmel in northern Israel. The name has been used in Italian and Spanish cultures as a reference to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, a title of the Virgin Mary. Karmela likely emerged as a modern adaptation, possibly influenced by names like Karmen or Karmel, gaining modest usage in the United States from the 1960s onward.