Surname Carmel - Meaning and Origin

Carmel: What does the surname Carmel mean?

The last name Carmel is derived from the Hebrew word "Karmel," which translates to "garden" or "vineyard." This term is used in biblical references, specifically the song of Songs, which references the beauty of Carmel, a mountain ridge located in Israel. The name Carmel also has associations with St. John of the Cross, a Spanish Carmelite monk whose writings have had a significant influence on the Roman Catholic Church. In modern times, the name Carmel is also believed to have French or Irish origins, though the precise origin remains uncertain.

The meaning of the last name Carmel also has associations with the concept of beauty and bounty. The name Carmel has historically been linked to wines, as the Carmel Ridge in Israel is known for its vineyards. The last name Carmel also celebrates the beauty associated with nature. In the Bible, the mountains of Carmel, known for its lush green vegetative landscape, were exampled as a symbol of God's favor and love for Israel.

The last name Carmel is also often tied to a strong faith, and associated with devoutness and deep spiritual insights. It is a name that celebrates the bounty of nature while recognizing the importance of religious convictions. The last name Carmel is a proud reminder of faith and commitment with a deep history and cultural significance.

Carmel: Where does the name Carmel come from?

The last name Carmel is most commonly found across the United States, particularly in the major cities and communities along the eastern coast. It is also prevalent in California, Florida, New York, and Texas. The last name Carmel is also found in other countries, including Canada, England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, France, and Israel.

Carmel is thought to have its roots in the area of Northern Italy, with the name originating from the town of Carmagnola which lies in the Piedmont region of modern-day Italy. It is theorized that the family name formed in Italy in the 13th century, during a period of many migrations across Europe. Later, in the late 1700s and early 1800s, some Carmel families migrated to North America, possibly coming through England or France.

Today, those with the Carmel surname are found in many places throughout the world, with a number of prominent figures bearing that name, including American comedian and writer Michael Patrick Carmel, Israeli actor and producer Yaakov Carmel, and Israeli movie director and screenwriter Sinai Peter Carmel.

Variations of the surname Carmel

The surname Carmel is of Hebrew origin and is derived from the biblical place name Karmel, which means "garden." Historically, it is primarily associated with the Carmelite Order, a Catholic religious order established in the 1180s at the Hermonite Church on Mount Carmel.

Variant spellings of Carmel include Carmell, Carmelle, Carmelli, Carmelito, Carmello, Carmelly, Carmele, Carmeli, Carmello, Carmelo, Carmiel, Carmill, Carmeletto, and Carmillio.

Carmel is also known by several surnames of similar origin. These include Carimel, Carminello, Carolmel, Caramillo, Carmanello, Carmello, Choromel, Cormel, Karmel, Karmelli, and Karmil.

The Carmel surname is widely distributed throughout Europe, especially in Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Portugal, Croatia, and Sweden. It is also common in Israel and the United States, particularly in Illinois, Missouri, California, New York, and New Jersey.

Famous people with the name Carmel

• Gene Carmel: Best known for being the first director of the Israel Defense Force Band.
• Danny Carmel: An Israeli film director, actor, writer and producer.
• Michael Carmel: A renowned Israeli lawyer, author, University professor, and diplomat.
• Itai Carmel: An Israeli volleyball player known for playing for the Israeli national teams.
• Dani Carmel: A well-known Israeli comedian and actor.
• Shlomo Carmel: Artist, author, and former Knesset member who was a founding member of the Shinui party.
• Mitchell Carmel: A renowned American ophthalmologist who helped pioneer laser vision correction surgeries.
• Abie Carmel: A former professional basketball player who was named one of the 25 Most Influential Israelis of the 20th century.
• Amnon Carmel: An Israeli architect and professor known for his style of "antique modernism".
• Steven Carmel: The current Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer at the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation.

Other surnames

CarmeanCarmen