How Do You Spell CARMILLA?

Pronunciation: [kɑːmˈɪlə] (IPA)

The spelling of the name "Carmilla" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable, "car," is spelled as /kɑr/, with the "a" pronounced like "ah" and the "r" at the end giving it a slight emphasis. The second syllable, "mil," is spelled as /mɪl/, with the "i" pronounced like "ih" and the "l" at the end also giving it a slight emphasis. Finally, the last syllable, "la," is spelled as /lɑ/, with the "a" pronounced like "ah" again, giving the name a smooth and melodic flow.

CARMILLA Meaning and Definition

1. Carmilla is a term that has several distinct meanings, each with its own significance. Firstly, in literature, Carmilla refers to the title character of the Gothic novella "Carmilla" written by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu in 1871. The novella is considered one of the earliest and influential works of vampire fiction, predating Bram Stoker's Dracula. Carmilla, the protagonist, is a female vampire who actively seeks out female victims, thus contrasting the traditional image of vampires at that time.

   Additionally, Carmilla can also refer to the overall theme or genre of the story, highlighting the presence of a seductive female vampire and exploring themes of forbidden desire, lesbianism, and the supernatural. The novella's influence on subsequent vampire literature, including the vibrant depiction of Carmilla as a femme fatale, has made the term an iconic representation of female vampires in popular culture.

   Furthermore, outside the realm of literature, Carmilla has become a popular name for various fictional characters in film, television, and video games, often portraying the archetype of a female vampire or femme fatale. These characters typically embody the captivating and alluring nature associated with Carmilla from the original novella and serve as a continual reminder of its significant impact on contemporary vampire mythology.

   Overall, Carmilla holds a prominent place in literary and cultural history, representing the enduring allure of the female vampire figure and the exploration of diverse themes in Gothic fiction.

Common Misspellings for CARMILLA

• carmelle
• carmile
• Carmella
• carmellia
• carmelia
• carmila
• varmilla
• farmilla
• darmilla
• czrmilla
• csrmilla
• cwrmilla
• cqrmilla
• cadmilla
• cafmilla
• catmilla
• ca5milla
• ca4milla
• carnilla
• carkilla

Etymology of CARMILLA

The name "Carmilla" is of unknown etymology, and its origins are somewhat mysterious. It first appeared in the 1872 Gothic novella "Carmilla" by Sheridan Le Fanu. The story tells the tale of a female vampire named Carmilla who preys on young women. There are several theories regarding its etymology:

1. One theory suggests that Le Fanu may have derived the name from the Latin word "carmen", meaning song or poem. This could imply that Carmilla is a seductive character who entices others.

2. Another theory suggests a possible link to the Slavic name "Karmila" or "Karmel", which translates to vineyard or orchard. This connection might allude to the vampiric character's insidious nature, as vines and orchards are often associated with hidden dangers (like poison ivy or forbidden fruits).