All about the name

Charmian

Female

« Charmian is a Latin-derived feminine name meaning 'little song' or 'little chant'. »

#11980 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Charmian is a unique and distinctive feminine given name of Latin origin. The name is derived from the Latin word "carmen," which means "song" or "chant." Therefore, Charmian can be translated as "little song" or "little chant." The name Charmian first appeared in English literature during the late 19th century, thanks to its use by prominent British author George Meredith. In his novel "The Egoist" published in 1879, Meredith chose Charmian as the given name for one of his main characters, a young woman who is admired for her beauty and intelligence. Despite its late appearance in literature, the name Charmian has since gained some popularity in English-speaking countries. It is often associated with creativity and artistic expression due to its Latin root meaning "song." However, it remains relatively uncommon compared to other feminine names, making it a unique choice for parents looking for an unusual yet meaningful name for their daughter. In terms of its usage over time, Charmian has not been particularly popular throughout history. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, only 69 babies were named Charmian between 1880 and 2019, with most occurrences appearing during the early-to-mid 20th century. In summary, Charmian is a rare yet meaningful feminine given name of Latin origin that translates to "little song" or "little chant." Its usage has primarily been influenced by its appearance in literature, particularly through George Meredith's novel "The Egoist." Despite not being widely popular throughout history, this unique name offers an appealing option for parents seeking something distinctive and artistic-sounding for their daughter.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Charmian since 1880

Total births
473
Total since 1880
Peak year
1970
18 births
in 1986
8
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years