What does Carmela mean and where does it come from?
Carmela is a feminine form of the Hebrew name Carmel, which represents the garden or vineyard on Mount Carmel in Israel. This name has roots in both Spanish and Italian cultures, frequently used in Christian contexts. Notably, Carmela is celebrated in the context of the feast of Our Lady of Mount Ca
Cultural significance
Carmela has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of כַּרְמֶל.
Peak popularity
Reached #266 in 1923 — currently #636 in the US.
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Related Reading
Spanish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Carmela?
Carmela works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Carmela Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Carmela Rose
Floral · soft ending
Carmela Mae
Sweet · timeless
Carmela Claire
French influence · crisp
Carmela Jane
Literary · strong
Carmela Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Carmela right now?
Holding steady — currently #636 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #636 | 1,564 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #641 | 1,544 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #646 | 1,514 | ▲ up 877 · +997% births |
| 2020 | #1523 | 138 | ▲ up 306 · +22% births |
| 2015 | #1829 | 113 | ▲ up 291 · +22% births |
| 2010 | #2120 | 93 | ▼ down 498 · -25% births |
| 2005 | #1622 | 124 | ▲ up 1016 · +121% births |
| 2000 | #2638 | 56 | ▼ down 653 · -19% births |
| 1995 | #1985 | 69 | ▼ down 201 · -15% births |
| 1990 | #1784 | 81 | ▼ down 407 · -14% births |
| 1985 | #1377 | 94 | ▼ down 308 · -29% births |
| 1980 | #1069 | 132 | ▼ down 236 · -18% births |
| 1975 | #833 | 161 | ▼ down 37 · -9% births |
| 1970 | #796 | 176 | ▼ down 82 · -8% births |
| 1965 | #714 | 192 | — |
The story of Carmela
Carmela has been a beloved American name for over 142 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1882. A total of 23,679 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #987 in 1890 to #636 in 2023. Carmela is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Carmela in 1923:
Carmela by decade
Carmela peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 37 | |
| 1890s | 280 | |
| 1900s | 815 | |
| 1910s | 3,461 | |
| 1920s ★ | 5,429 | |
| 1930s | 2,885 | |
| 1940s | 1,731 | |
| 1950s | 1,718 | |
| 1960s | 2,085 | |
| 1970s | 1,393 | |
| 1980s | 899 | |
| 1990s | 674 | |
| 2000s | 1,005 | |
| 2010s | 1,129 | |
| 2020s | 138 | |
What are good nicknames for Carmela?
Famous people named Carmela
C(
Carmela (Flamenco artist)
Carmela carried this name in the vibrant tradition of Spanish music and dance.
C(
Carmela (Spanish saint)
Carmela helped establish this name across the Spanish-speaking Catholic world.
C(
Carmela (Flamenco artist)
Carmela carried this name in the vibrant tradition of Spanish music and dance.
C(
Carmela (Latin American historical figure)
Carmela used this name across South and Central America as Spanish naming traditions spread.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Carmela?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Carmela also consider these
How is Carmela written in other languages?
Gender variants of Carmela
Common questions about the name Carmela
What does the name Carmela mean?
Carmela means "כַּרְמֶל" — a name rooted in Spanish tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Carmela?
Carmela is currently ranked #636 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Carmela?
Carmela originates from Spanish tradition. Spanish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Carmela?
Carmela is a three-syllable name pronounced K AA0 R M EH1 L AA0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Carmela?
Carmela pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Spanish heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.