Carmela

Carmela is a feminine given name of Italian origin. It derives from Carmel, which ultimately comes from Hebrew Carmel, meaning “orchard” or “garden.” The name is associated with Mount Carmel in the Holy Land and with Catholic devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, contributing to its popularity in Catholic communities.

In Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese-speaking countries, Carmela is a traditional and widely used name. It has several diminutives and related forms, including Carmelita, Carmellina, and Carmelina. While the English form Carmel is masculine in some contexts, Carmela remains distinctly feminine in its typical usage. The name is sometimes combined with other names, such as Maria Carmela.

Notable uses of the name include Carmela Soprano, a central fictional character in the television series The Sopranos, whose portrayal has made the name recognizable in popular culture. In real life, bearers of the name have been noted across Italian- and Spanish-speaking communities in fields such as the arts, academia, and public life.

Overall, Carmela is regarded as a classic, traditional name with religious and cultural associations, particularly within Italian and Hispanic naming traditions.