Find out how popular the first name Carmelia has been for the last 47 years (from 1974 to 2020) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Carmelia by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Carmelia is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2020, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Carmelia.

The history of the first name Carmelia

The name Carmelia is believed to have its origins in the Latin language, derived from the word "carmelia," which means "song" or "melody." The name itself is a feminine form of the male name Carmel, which has Hebrew roots and is associated with Mount Carmel, a mountain range in northern Israel.

Historically, the name Carmelia has been associated with various religious and cultural contexts. In Christianity, it has been linked to the Carmelite Order, a Roman Catholic mendicant religious order that traces its origins back to the late 12th century on Mount Carmel. The name was likely adopted by members of this order as a nod to their spiritual roots.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Carmelia can be found in the 16th century, with a Spanish nun named Carmelia de la Encarnación (1568-1635), who was a member of the Carmelite Order and known for her mystical writings and spiritual teachings.

In the realm of literature, the name Carmelia has made several notable appearances. One such instance is in the 19th century novel "The Marble Faun" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, where a character named Carmelia is mentioned as a young Italian woman.

Among famous individuals who have borne the name Carmelia, we can highlight Carmelia A. Crancer (1898-1988), an American educator and civil rights activist who played a significant role in desegregating schools in Baltimore, Maryland. Another notable figure is Carmelia Leland (1866-1937), an American painter and illustrator known for her portraits and landscape paintings.

In the world of music, Carmelia Rey (1924-2021) was a Cuban-American singer and actress who rose to prominence in the 1940s and 1950s, performing in both Spanish and English. She was widely celebrated for her contributions to Latin music and her distinctive vocal style.

Additionally, Carmelia Prieto (1901-1991) was a Puerto Rican educator and feminist activist who campaigned tirelessly for women's rights and educational opportunities on the island. Her efforts helped pave the way for greater gender equality and access to education for women in Puerto Rico.

While the name Carmelia has maintained its presence throughout history, its usage has varied across different cultures and time periods. However, its melodic and musical origins have remained a consistent thread, reflecting the enduring appeal of this elegant and harmonious name.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Carmelia was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Carmelia, please contact us.

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