With A Name Like Carmichael, You Can Trust Baby To Hold Down The Fort! With Scottish Origins, Carmichael Is A Traditionally Masculine Name, Often Seen As A Surname. The Moniker Is Considered To Be A Habitational Name With The Definition Of “fort Of Michael,” Deriving From The Old English Word caer, Meaning “fort.” This Surname-turned-first Name Is Sure To Connect Baby To Their Heritage And Also Foster A Sense Of Dependability And Strength In Them. Some Famous Namesakes Include Susie Carmichael From Rugrats, Downton Abbey Actress Laura Carmichael, And Maroon 5 Keyboardist Jesse Carmichael.