The given name Carmen is of Latin origin, derived from the word "carmen" which means "song" or "poem" in Latin. It is believed to have originated in ancient Rome during the classical period.

Carmen was a relatively common name among Roman women, particularly those associated with music, poetry, or the arts. It was also sometimes used as a surname or cognomen in ancient Rome.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Carmen can be found in the works of the Roman poet Ovid, who lived from 43 BC to 17 AD. He mentions a character named Carmen in his famous work "Metamorphoses".

In the Middle Ages, the name Carmen gained popularity among Christians, as it was associated with religious hymns and chants. Several notable figures from this period bore the name, such as Carmen of Arles, a Benedictine abbess who lived in the 8th century.

During the Renaissance, the name Carmen became more widespread across Europe, particularly in Italy and Spain. One of the most famous individuals with this name was Carmen Sylva, the pen name of Elisabeth of Wied, a German princess who was also a prolific writer and poet (1843-1916).

In the 19th century, the name Carmen gained further recognition due to the famous novella "Carmen" by French writer Prosper Mérimée (1845). The titular character, a beautiful and alluring gypsy woman, became an iconic figure in literature and opera.

Another notable figure with the name Carmen was Carmen Laforet, a Spanish novelist who won the prestigious Nadal Prize in 1945 for her novel "Nada". She was born in 1921 and her works explored themes of existentialism and the struggle for identity.

Carmen Miranda, the Brazilian singer, dancer, and actress, was also a famous bearer of this name. Known for her iconic fruit hat and vibrant performances, she popularized Brazilian culture on the international stage and starred in several Hollywood films during the 1940s and 1950s (1909-1955).