girl name · Spanish origin
Carmen
/ KAR-men /
Meaning
Carmen means Garden; Our Lady of Carmel (Spanish).
Gender
Girl
Origin
Spanish
Pronunciation
KAR-men
Popularity
#389 · U.S. girls (2025)
Popularity of Carmen in the US, 1880–2025
Carmen first appears in US records in 1881. It peaked in 1960, when 2,440 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 798.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
What does Carmen mean?
Carmen is linked to the Latin for “song” and to Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Carmen mean?
Carmen means Garden; Our Lady of Carmel. Carmen is linked to the Latin for “song” and to Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
What is the origin of the name Carmen?
Carmen is of Spanish origin.
How do you pronounce Carmen?
Carmen is pronounced “KAR-men.”
Is Carmen a boy or a girl name?
Carmen is most commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Carmen?
In 2025, Carmen ranked #389 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Carmen most popular?
Carmen was most popular in 1960, when about 2,440 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.