Carmina is a unique and captivating female given name of Latin origin. Derived from the Latin word 'cantare,' which means 'to sing,' Carmina signifies 'song' or 'poem.' The name has a rich history, dating back to ancient Rome where it was used to refer to sacred hymns or chants.
In medieval times, Carmina became popular among the Catholic Church, with many religious texts and manuscripts bearing this title. One of the most notable examples is the Carmina Burana, an 11th-century collection of Latin poems and songs from Southern Germany. This manuscript, named after a Benedictine monastery where it was discovered, consists of secular and sacred pieces, reflecting the diverse aspects of medieval life.
The name Carmina has been used sparingly over the centuries but continues to appeal to those who appreciate its musical connotations and historical significance. Today, Carmina is still considered an uncommon yet exquisite choice for a girl's name, evoking images of melody, harmony, and poetic beauty.
The name Carmina has seen a varied number of births over the years in the United States. The earliest recorded birth year for the name is 1914, with 8 births that year. The following year, there were 9 births. There was then a gap until 1918 when there were 5 births.
The decade of the 1920s saw some fluctuations in the number of births named Carmina. In 1920 and 1922, there were 6 births each year, but in 1921, this number jumped to 9 births. The peak for that decade was reached in 1923 with 10 births.
The 1930s started off strong with 8 births in 1929, but then the numbers dropped significantly, with only 5 births each in 1931 and 1934. However, there was a slight increase in 1936 with 7 births.
The post-World War II era saw a steady increase in the number of Carmina births. In 1950, there were 8 births, which then climbed to 10 births in 1952 and peaked at 12 births in 1954.
The 1960s started off strong with 9 births in 1960 but then the numbers fluctuated. There were peaks of 10 births in 1965 and 11 births in 1969, but also low points such as 5 births in both 1961 and 1966.
The 1970s was a decade of significant growth for Carmina births. Starting with 20 births in 1970, the numbers steadily climbed to reach an all-time high of 33 births in 1976. This trend continued into the early 1980s, with peaks such as 33 births in 1981.
However, the late 1980s and 1990s saw a decline in Carmina births. The highest number of births in this period was 38 in 1994, but there were also years such as 1993 with only 15 births.
The trend continued into the early 2000s, with numbers ranging from a low of 12 births in 2002 to a high of 22 births in 2006. The decade ended with a peak of 28 births in 2015.
More recently, the number of Carmina births has remained relatively stable, with fluctuations between 14 and 22 births per year. The most recent data available is from 2023, which shows 14 births.
In total, there have been 1304 births named Carmina in the United States since 1914.