Carmen
Carmen has two distinct origins. In Latin, "carmen" means song, poem, or charm — a magical incantation. In Spanish, Carmen is also a Marian title, short for "Nuestra Señora del Carmen" (Our Lady of Mount Carmel), referring to the Carmelite order of nuns founded on Mount Carmel in Palestine. The two origins coexist in the same name, which is unusual. Carmen's identity was fixed by Georges Bizet's opera "Carmen" (1875), based on Prosper Mérimée's novella. The title character is a fiery Roma woman who works in a cigarette factory in Seville and is killed by her jealous lover. The opera was initially controversial for its realism but became one of the most performed operas in the world. Carmen Miranda (born 1909), the Portuguese-Brazilian performer, added another layer of Latin flair. I find Carmen has one of the strongest identities of any female name. It sounds passionate, dramatic, and a little dangerous — qualities most parents do not consciously seek but which give the name lasting appeal. The "C" and "m" together give it weight, and the "n" ending gives it closure. Carmen has been in the US top 500 for most of the past century and shows remarkable staying power. Carmen is a female name of Latin / Spanish origin that means "Song, poem (also from Carmel)". Passionate, dramatic, and a little dangerous. The name sounds operatic. Carmens tend to be intense. US top 500 for most of the 20th century. Well-known people named Carmen include Carmen (Bizet opera character), Carmen Miranda (performer), Carmen Electra (actress), Carmen McRae (singer). Common variations and related forms of Carmen include Carmela (Italian), Carmelita (Spanish diminutive), Carmina (Italian), Mina (short form).