The Naming of Playa del Carmen

Boone was correct with his guess. As he stated, Playa del Carmen is named for, "Virgin of Carmen, patron saint and protector of fishermen and sailors - those who live on and from the sea."

Here's a bit more of the history:

The first recorded visitors to the beaches of what is now Playa del Carmen came during the Early Classic Period (A.D.A.D. 300–-600) of the Mayan civilization. Then called Xaman-Ha, or “waters of the north,” Playa was a rest stop of sorts for travelers making their way from the great cities of the Mayan world to the island of Cozumel. These travelers readied their dugout canoes and prepared for the journey across the straits on the same shores that now house the restaurants, hotels, and nightspots of modern- day Playa del Carmen.

More:
Riviera Maya Hotels
Airport Transportation
Tours & Activities
Riviera Maya Guidebook