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.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Carmel experienced a significant increase in popularity from the late 19th to early 20th century, reaching its peak between 1914 and 1925 with over 130 births per year during this period. However, after 1926, there was a gradual decline in the usage of the name Carmel, dropping below 50 births per year by the late 1970s. Since then, it has remained relatively stable but low, with an average of around 15-20 births per year from the 1980s to the present day. In total, there have been 7162 births named Carmel from 1888 to 2023.