Carmen

Meaning of Carmen

The name Carmen is a charming and timeless choice for a baby girl, rooted in rich cultural and historical significance. Originating from the Spanish language, Carmen is pronounced as KAHR-men (/karˈmen/), with slight variations in English pronunciations (/kɑːmən/ or /kɑrmən/). The name has associations with various forms of art and literature, most notably Georges Bizet's famous opera "Carmen," which tells the passionate story of a fiery gypsy woman. Additionally, it derives from the Latin word "carmen," meaning "song" or "poem," adding to its lyrical appeal. Carmen has consistently held its place among popular names in the United States, showcasing a steady presence over decades. Variations like Carmina offer alternative but equally beautiful options. With its elegant sound and deep cultural roots, Carmen is a name that resonates with grace and strength.

Pronunciation

Spanish

  • Pronunced as KAHR-men (/karˈmen/)

British English

  • Pronunced as KAHR-mən (/kɑːmən/)

American English

  • Pronunced as KAHR-mən (/kɑrmən/)

U.S. Popularity Chart

States Popularity Chart

Similar Names to Carmen

Notable People Named Carmen

Carmen Miranda, a Portuguese-born Brazilian singer, dancer, and actress known as "The Brazilian Bombshell," rose to fame for her iconic fruit hat outfit and became a leading interpreter of samba music in Brazil.
Carmen Electra, born Tara Leigh Patrick, is an American actress, model, singer, and media personality who gained fame through her work in music, modeling, and her role in the TV series Baywatch.
Carmen Amaya Amaya was a renowned Spanish Romani flamenco dancer and singer, born in Barcelona, Spain.
Carmen Sevilla, a renowned Spanish actress, singer, and dancer, achieved fame in Spanish cinema during the mid-20th century and later became a prominent television presenter until her retirement in 2010.
Carmen Carrera is a well-known American reality TV personality, model, and transgender rights activist who gained fame from her appearance on RuPaul's Drag Race.
Carmen Mercedes McRae, an influential American jazz singer known for her unique phrasing and interpretation of lyrics, is considered one of the most prominent vocalists of the 20th century.
Carmen Maria Machado is a renowned American short story author, essayist, and critic, known for her acclaimed works including "Her Body and Other Parties" and the award-winning memoir "In the Dream House."
Carmen Rupe was a prominent New Zealand drag performer, brothel keeper, anti-discrimination activist, and HIV/AIDS activist, known as the country's first drag queen to achieve celebrity status.
María del Carmen Laffón de la Escosura was a renowned Spanish figurative painter and sculptor, known for her membership in the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando and her prestigious awards, including the Grand Cross of the Civil Order of Alfonso X, the Wise.
Carmen Fariña, the former New York City Schools Chancellor, was appointed by Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio in 2013 and was the first chancellor with prior school supervision experience since Rudy Crew.
Carmen Robertson - Carmen L. Robertson is a Canadian writer and scholar specializing in art history and indigenous peoples, known for her work on Aboriginal Canadian artist Norval Morrisseau.
Carmen Dominicci Ramos is a renowned travel blogger, journalist, and award-winning news anchor in the United States, also recognized as one of the "50 Most Beautiful" by People en Español magazine in 2010.
Carmen Maura - María del Carmen García Maura is a renowned Spanish actress with a six-decade career, known for her roles in award-winning films such as Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown and Volver.
Carmen Maria Pursifull is a multi-talented individual known for her contributions to Latin dance and music, English-language free verse poetry, and local public television in the Champaign-Urbana area.
Carmen Guerrero Nakpil - Carmen Guerrero-Nakpil was a renowned Filipina journalist, author, historian, and public servant who received the S.E.A. Write Award.
Laura Hamilton
Curated byLaura Hamilton

Assistant Editor