carmel

Carmel is a toponym used for several places and, less commonly, other entities. The name derives from Mount Carmel in the Levant, from Hebrew Har Karmel, and is often translated as “vineyard of God” or “garden of God.” The term has been adopted widely for towns, neighborhoods, and geographic features around the world.

In the United States, Carmel most commonly refers to Carmel-by-the-Sea in California and Carmel, Indiana. Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small coastal city on the Monterey Peninsula known for its scenic coastline, artistic heritage, and preserved village character. Carmel, Indiana is a rapidly growing suburb north of Indianapolis, noted for its planned downtown, cultural offerings, and high quality of life. Smaller American communities named Carmel include Carmel, Maine, a rural town in Penobscot County with historical ties to forestry and agriculture.

The name also appears internationally for geographic and religious sites, most notably Mount Carmel in present-day Israel, a mountain with significant biblical and religious associations. The Carmel name is used for various hills, neighborhoods, and institutions worldwide, reflecting the cultural and historical resonance of Mount Carmel.

In addition to places, Carmel is associated with religious orders and institutions that draw on the Mount Carmel lineage, such as the Carmelite Order. The word continues to appear in schools, churches, and organizations that seek to evoke the historical or spiritual connotations of the name.