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Carmine

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAR-mine /ˈkɑːr.maɪn/High

Meaning: Crimson; from Latin carminium (crimson red dye, from Arabic qirmiz + Latin minium); also the Italian form of Carmen (Hebrew: garden, song)Medium

In 30 seconds: An Italian name that carries two possible meanings: 'crimson' (from the carmine red dye) or 'song/garden' (from the Italian form of Carmen). Both give it a vivid, artistic quality.

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Origin MediumItalian, Latin

MeaningCrimson; from Latin carminium (crimson red dye, from Arabic qirmiz + Latin minium); also the Italian form of Carmen (Hebrew: garden, song)

U.S. rank (2025)#1035 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births214 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2006

Total births (all-time)≈ 13,949

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Carmine has two possible roots: Latin carminium (crimson dye, from cochineal) or Italian/Spanish Carmen, from Hebrew Karmel (garden) or Latin carmen (song, poem). As an Italian masculine name it blends these associations.

Carmine is used primarily in Italian American communities. It ranked #1097 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? Carmine — the brilliant red dye — was once extracted from the cochineal insect of South America. After the Spanish conquered the Americas, cochineal became one of the most valuable exports from the New World to Europe, more precious than gold per weight for much of the 16th–18th centuries.

Overall data confidence 83%

Behind the Name — Carmine — Italian/Latin etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

CarmenCarmino

Nicknames

CarmiCar

Famous Bearers

★Carmine Coppola (1910-1991)
American film composer and father of director Francis Ford Coppola
★Carmine Appice (1946-)
American rock drummer of Vanilla Fudge
★Carmine Giovinazzo (1973-)
American actor known for CSI: NY

If you like Carmine…

Carmelo— Italian Carm- opening name with the same Mediterranean warmth

Carmen— the female/Spanish form sharing the same possible roots

Marco— Italian masculine name with the same warm Mediterranean character

Mario— Italian masculine name with the same classic Italian feel

Massimo— Italian masculine name with the same full, resonant Italian quality

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Carmine mean?

Carmine means 'crimson' (from the carmine dye) or 'song/garden' (from the Italian form of Carmen). Both roots give it a vivid artistic quality.

How do you pronounce Carmine?

It's said KAR-mine — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Carmine a boy or girl name?

Carmine is used as a boys' name in Italian tradition.

How popular is Carmine?

Carmine ranked #1097 for U.S. boys in 2024.