Carmel is a name of Hebrew origin that means "garden" or "orchard." It is derived from the word "karmel," which refers to Mount Carmel in Israel. According to biblical tradition, this mountain was believed to be the location where the prophet Elijah had his famous contest with the prophets of Baal.
The name Carmel has a rich history and has been used as both a given name and a place name throughout time. In the Middle Ages, it was popular among Christians, particularly in Spain and other parts of Europe, due to its biblical associations. The Order of Carmelites, a Catholic religious order, is named after Mount Carmel and was founded by Saint Berthold around 1206.
Carmel has also been used as a surname, with the earliest recorded instances appearing in England during the 13th century. Over time, it has evolved into various spelling variations such as Carman, Carmichael, and Carmichael.
In recent years, Carmel has gained popularity as a given name for girls, particularly in English-speaking countries like the United States and Canada. However, it remains relatively uncommon compared to more traditional names.
Overall, the name Carmel carries a strong connection to biblical history and natural beauty, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a meaningful and unique name for their child.
The given statistics show the annual births of babies named Carmel in the United States from 1888 to 2023. Over this period, there has been a significant fluctuation in the number of births with this name.
In the late 19th century, the number of births was quite low, with only five births recorded in 1888 and six in 1890. However, the numbers started to increase gradually towards the early 20th century, reaching a peak of 153 births in 1924.
After this peak, there was a noticeable decline in the number of babies named Carmel. The lowest point was reached in 1940 with only 45 births. This trend continued until the mid-1950s when the numbers started to increase again, reaching another peak of 155 births in 1962.
However, from the late 1960s onwards, there was a significant decline in the popularity of the name Carmel. The number of births with this name dropped below 100 each year, and in some years, it was as low as 8 births (in 2016).
In recent years, the number of babies named Carmel has seen a slight increase. In 2022, there were 20 births recorded, and in 2023, there were 12 births.
Overall, these statistics show that while the name Carmel has had periods of popularity throughout history, it has generally been less commonly used in recent years compared to earlier centuries. However, it is still a unique and distinct name with a notable presence in American naming history.