Carnation, a name of floral origin, is derived from the vibrant and fragrant flower of the same name. It is composed of two elements: 'car', meaning flesh or meat in Latin, and 'nationem', a suffix that denotes association or community. Thus, Carnation literally translates to 'meat-colored' or 'flesh-colored nation'. This intriguing etymology hints at the possibility that the name was originally used to describe someone with fair skin or hair, or perhaps even someone with a particular affection for the flower itself. While not as widely used today, the name Carnation retains its unique charm and association with beauty and fragrance.
The name Carnation experienced a rise and fall in popularity during the early 20th century, with peaks of popularity between 1923 and 1929, but no recorded births for several years around 1921-1922.