Declining since 2012, #1,872 for girls today.
Popularity of Karmen since 1935
Babies named Karmen per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 34 |
| 1940s | 113 |
| 1950s | 192 |
| 1960s | 597 |
| 1970s | 770 |
| 1980s | 686 |
| 1990s | 689 |
| 2000s | 1,499 |
| 2010s | 1,976 |
| 2020s | 716 |
Meaning & origin
Karmen is a modern respelling of the classic Carmen, which saw its peak usage in the United States in 2008. In 2025, it ranked 1,872 with a frequency of 1 in 15,307 births, reflecting a gradual decline in popularity since 2012. The name first appeared on U.S. records in 1935 and has remained consistently feminine. Geographically, Karmen is most common in the southern states, particularly Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. While the original Carmen has deep roots in Latin and Spanish culture, the Karmen variant offers a contemporary twist that appeals to parents seeking a familiar yet distinctive name.
Karmen is a spelling variant of Carmen, which derives from the Latin 'carmen' meaning 'song' or 'poem'. In Spanish-speaking cultures, Carmen is also associated with the title 'Nuestra Señora del Carmen' (Our Lady of Mount Carmel), though the linguistic root remains Latin. The spelling Karmen, with a K, emerged in the 20th century as a modern respelling, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Where Karmen 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: Kari, Mina, Karmy
Sibling names for Karmen
Names that share Karmen's style, for a brother or sister.
