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Carmilla Girl

Popularity: #939 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

Pronunciationkar-MIL-uh / /kɑːrˈmɪlə/

Spanish; Italian

Meaning

Spanish: 'little song'; Italian: 'song'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Carmilla has its roots in the Hebrew word "karmel," meaning "garden" or "orchard." This term was adopted into Latin as "Carmelus," referring to Mount Carmel, a significant biblical location in ancient Israel. The name was further transmitted into various languages, including Old French, before making its way into English. The association with Mount Carmel is particularly notable in the context of the Carmelite Order, a Roman Catholic religious order founded in the 12th century, which emphasizes a contemplative life and has a strong connection to the Virgin Mary.

Carmilla gained prominence in the 19th century, particularly due to its association with the novella "Carmilla" written by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu in 1872. This work is one of the earliest examples of vampire fiction, predating Bram Stoker's "Dracula" by over two decades. The character of Carmilla, a female vampire, has had a lasting impact on the genre, influencing subsequent portrayals of female vampires in literature and popular culture. The novella explores themes of sexuality, identity, and the supernatural, contributing to its enduring legacy in gothic literature.

Culturally, the name Carmilla evokes a sense of mystery and allure, often associated with the darker aspects of femininity and the supernatural. The character's complex nature has led to various interpretations and adaptations in film, theater, and other media, reinforcing the name's significance in the gothic tradition. The name also has a diminutive form, "Carmie," which has been used in various contexts, though it is less historically significant than the full form. Overall, Carmilla's etymological roots, literary milestones, and cultural resonance contribute to its rich historical tapestry.

Trend Summary

Carmilla has seen limited use in the United States, with occasional spikes in popularity, particularly among fans of gothic literature.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Carmela
  • Carmelita

International Variants

  • Carmela (Spanish)
  • Carmel (Hebrew)
  • Carmilla (Italian)

Famous people named Carmilla

Fictional characters named Carmilla

Carmilla is a fictional character from the novella Carmilla by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu. She is a female vampire who preys on young women and is one of the earliest representations of female vampirism in literature.

Carmilla is a fictional character from the web series Carmilla. She is a vampire and a central figure in the story, navigating her relationships and conflicts with other characters in a modern university setting.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Carmilla was first seen in the United States in 1915. Carmilla has ranked as high as #869 nationally, which occurred in 1921, and has been most popular in . In the past 5 years the name Carmilla has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Carmilla

No state data available for this year.

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19156
19169
19175
19198
192115
192210
192312
192710
19286
19295
19325
19366
19425
19446
19476
19495
19515
19528
19535
19558
19569
19577
19609
19617
19628
19639
19648
19655
19666
196711
19698
197010
19719
197210
197311
19745
197510
19768
197714
19798
19805
19815
19826
19835
198512
198610
19879
19887
19905
19946
19977
20145
20156
20165
20176
20228
202310
202411