Ever noticed how certain letters just sound right for baby names? The letter C has this magical quality – it’s soft yet strong, classic yet contemporary. If you’re expecting a baby girl and drawn to C names, you’re in good company!
This guide explores the wonderful world of girl names starting with C – from timeless classics to hidden gems you might not have discovered yet. I’ve gathered over 500 options spanning different cultures, meanings, and styles to help you find that perfect name for your little one.
Girl Names That Start with C
- Charlotte – Free woman (French) – A royal favorite that’s remained in the top 10 for years
- Camila – Young ceremonial attendant (Latin) – Both elegant and approachable
- Chloe – Blooming, verdant (Greek) – A fresh, youthful name with ancient roots
- Claire – Clear, bright (French) – Simple, classic and always in style
- Caroline – Free woman (French) – Sophisticated with cute nickname options like “Carrie”
- Clara – Clear, bright (Latin) – Vintage charm making a strong comeback
- Cora – Maiden (Greek) – Short and sweet with a touch of old-world appeal
- Catherine – Pure (Greek) – Timeless classic with many spelling variations
- Cecilia – Blind (Latin) – Musical and graceful with rich historical connections
- Catalina – Pure (Greek) – The Spanish form of Catherine with exotic flair
- Callie – Beautiful (Greek) – Often a nickname, but works beautifully on its own
- Charlie – Free person (English) – Traditionally a nickname for Charlotte, now stands alone
- Camille – Young ceremonial attendant (Latin) – Sophisticated and French-inspired
- Caroline – Free woman (French) – Elegant and timeless with royal connections
- Cassidy – Clever (Irish) – Has a modern, surname-as-first-name quality
- Christina – Follower of Christ (Greek) – Classic religious name with staying power
- Carmen – Song (Latin) – Dramatic and musical with Spanish flair
- Celeste – Heavenly (Latin) – Ethereal and elegant
- Chelsea – Port for chalk (English) – Modern classic popular since the 1980s
- Carla – Free woman (Germanic) – Strong and straightforward
- Colette – Victory of the people (French) – Sophisticated with French charm
- Crystal – Clear ice (Greek) – Nature-inspired name popular in the late 20th century
- Caitlyn – Pure (Irish) – Modern spelling of a traditional Celtic name
- Cindy – From Mount Kynthos (Greek) – Friendly and familiar
- Claudia – Lame (Latin) – Elegant with ancient Roman history
Browse these cute dog names if you’re getting a puppy to grow up alongside your baby girl!
Baby Girl Names That Start with C
- Clementine – Merciful (Latin) – Adorable vintage name with fruit connection
- Celine – Heavenly (French) – Melodic and elegant
- Calliope – Beautiful voice (Greek) – Mythological muse with musical sound
- Coraline – Coral/maiden (Modern literary) – Whimsical with literary connections
- Cadence – Rhythm, flow (English) – Musical term turned lovely name
- Cosette – Little thing (French) – Delicate name from Les Misérables
- Cleo – Glory (Greek) – Short, spunky, with ancient Egyptian connections
- Clarissa – Clear, bright (Latin) – Elaboration of Clara with vintage charm
- Cecily – Blind (Latin) – Sweet variation of Cecilia with English heritage
- Cassandra – She who entangles men (Greek) – Mythological with dramatic flair
- Cordelia – Heart, daughter of the sea (Latin/Celtic) – Shakespearean with romantic sound
- Carina – Dear little one (Latin) – Also a constellation name with lovely meaning
- Calla – Beautiful (Greek) – Often associated with the elegant Calla lily
- Capri – Island in Italy (Italian) – Place name with fresh, breezy feel
- Chiara – Clear, bright (Italian) – Italian version of Clara with melodic quality
- Colleen – Girl (Irish) – Traditional Irish name meaning simply “girl”
- Cynthia – Moon goddess (Greek) – Mythological name with celestial connection
- Carissa – Very dear (Greek) – Sweet and feminine
- Chantal – Stone (French) – Elegant French name with strength
- Callista – Most beautiful (Greek) – Melodic with affirming meaning
- Clover – Four-leaf plant (English) – Nature name associated with good luck
- Charity – Love (Latin) – Virtue name with positive associations
- Coral – Sea creature (Latin) – Nature name with beautiful color association
- Cybil – Prophetess (Greek) – Mystical with ancient roots
- Cerys – Love (Welsh) – Unique Welsh name with beautiful meaning
Looking for baby boy names too? Check out these strong boy names that might pair well with your C name choice!
Unique Girl Names That Start with C
- Calypso – She who conceals (Greek) – Mythological sea nymph with rhythmic sound
- Cosima – Order, beauty (Italian) – Rare name with artistic associations
- Caetana – From Gaeta (Portuguese) – Unique with Latin roots
- Cattleya – Type of orchid (Latin) – Elegant flower name
- Cambria – Wales (Welsh) – Place name with melodic quality
- Cassia – Cinnamon (Greek) – Spice name with ancient roots
- Cyra – Sun, throne (Persian) – Short but meaningful celestial name
- Chandler – Candle maker (English) – Occupational surname turned distinctive first name
- Cicely – Blind (Latin) – Old English variant with unusual sound
- Celestia – Heavenly (Latin) – Elaboration of Celeste with fantasy quality
- Cressida – Gold (Greek) – Shakespearean character with unique sound
- Casimira – Destroyer of peace (Polish) – Feminine form of Casimir with strong meaning
- Chrysanthe – Golden flower (Greek) – Unusual flower name
- Camber – Crooked chamber (English) – Rare geometric name
- Calanthe – Beautiful flower (Greek) – Exotic orchid name
- Cadeau – Gift (French) – Rare word name with lovely meaning
- Cannelle – Cinnamon (French) – Spice name with French flair
- Cerelia – Related to spring (Latin) – Ancient Roman with seasonal connection
- Cirilla – Lady (Slavic) – Fantasy-inspired name with Slavic roots
- Coventry – Convent town (English) – Uncommon place name
- Cyan – Blue-green color (Greek) – Modern color name
- Chimera – Mythical creature (Greek) – Bold mythological choice
- Calista – Most beautiful (Greek) – Melodic with positive meaning
- Cerridwen – Fair poetry (Welsh) – Celtic goddess name
- Corva – Raven (Latin) – Unusual nature name
For more unique options, check out these badass cat names that could inspire an edgy human name too!
Powerful Girl Names That Start with C
- Cassandra – Prophet (Greek) – Mythological seer with strong presence
- Cordelia – Heart of a lion (Celtic/Latin) – Shakespearean name with royal bearing
- Catalina – Pure (Greek) – Spanish name with historical power
- Calista – Most beautiful (Greek) – Strong, confident-sounding name
- Camilla – Young ceremonial attendant (Latin) – Ancient warrior name
- Claudia – Lame (Latin) – Ancient Roman name with imperial connections
- Constance – Steadfast (Latin) – Virtue name suggesting strength and determination
- Crimson – Deep red color (English) – Bold color name with intensity
- Callista – Most beautiful (Greek) – Commanding and melodic
- Corinna – Maiden (Greek) – Ancient Greek poet’s name with strength
- Cassia – Cinnamon (Greek) – Spicy, distinctive botanical name
- Clarissa – Clear, bright (Latin) – Name with clarity and purpose
- Cynthia – Moon goddess (Greek) – Mythological deity name
- Calvary – Place of the skull (Latin) – Biblical name with deep significance
- Celestia – Heavenly (Latin) – Cosmic name with ethereal power
- Charisma – Divine gift (Greek) – Modern virtue name with magnetic quality
- Cassidy – Clever (Irish) – Surname with spunky strength
- Courage – Bravery (French) – Bold virtue name
- Cadence – Rhythm (English) – Name suggesting control and flow
- Concordia – Harmony (Latin) – Roman goddess of agreement
- Cyra – Sun, throne (Persian) – Name suggesting leadership
- Cerys – Love (Welsh) – Welsh name with quiet strength
- Callahan – Bright-headed (Irish) – Surname with commanding presence
- Channing – Young wolf (English) – Unisex name with animal strength
- Cicero – Chickpea (Latin) – Ancient Roman orator’s name
If you like powerful names, you might enjoy these powerful last names that could pair well with a strong first name!
Modern Girl Names That Start with C
- Collins – Son of Colin (Irish) – Surname turned trendy first name
- Cairo – Victorious (Arabic) – Global city name with contemporary feel
- Charli – Free person (Modern spelling) – Updated spelling of classic nickname
- Camden – From the winding valley (English) – Place name with modern vibe
- Camryn – Crooked nose (Modern spelling) – Contemporary variant of Cameron
- Cali – Beautiful (Greek/Modern) – Beachy, California-inspired short form
- Capri – Island in Italy (Italian) – Trendy place name
- Crew – Group of people (English) – Word name gaining popularity
- Charlie – Free person (English) – Traditional boy’s nickname now popular for girls
- Cyprus – Island country (Greek) – Modern-feeling place name
- Chandler – Candle maker (English) – Unisex name popularized by “Friends”
- Clementine – Merciful (Latin) – Vintage name with modern resurgence
- Clarke – Scholar (English) – Surname spelling trending for girls
- Calliope – Beautiful voice (Greek) – Ancient name with modern appeal
- Copeland – Bought land (English) – Sophisticated surname as first name
- Cove – Small bay (English) – Nature-inspired modern word name
- Cayenne – Like the pepper (French) – Spicy modern choice
- Carter – Cart maker (English) – Occupational surname now unisex
- Ciel – Sky (French) – Short, international modern name
- Cyan – Blue-green (Greek) – Contemporary color name
- Charleston – Charles’ town (English) – Place name with vintage-modern appeal
- Chance – Luck, fortune (English) – Modern virtue name
- Clarity – Clearness (English) – Modern virtue name
- Codie – Helpful (Modern spelling) – Contemporary spelling variation
- Crimson – Deep red (English) – Bold, modern color name
For modern naming inspiration, check out these cool teenage usernames for Instagram that reflect current naming trends!
Popular Girl Names That Start with C
These names have stood the test of time and remain favorites among parents. They’re beloved for good reason!
| Name | Meaning | Origin | Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | Free woman | French | #3 |
| Camila | Young ceremonial attendant | Latin | #12 |
| Chloe | Blooming, verdant | Greek | #24 |
| Claire | Clear, bright | French | #57 |
| Caroline | Free woman | French | #73 |
| Clara | Clear, bright | Latin | #95 |
Charlotte has been wildly popular lately – and it’s no wonder! With its royal connections and the cute nickname “Charlie,” it hits the sweet spot of being traditional yet contemporary.
Check out some pool party names if you’re planning a celebration for your little one’s future birthday parties!
Cute and Short C Names for Girls
Sometimes the sweetest names come in small packages! These short C names pack a lot of charm:
- Cora – Maiden (Greek)
- Cici – Often a nickname, but works beautifully on its own
- Cleo – Glory (Greek)
- Coco – Coconut (Spanish)
- Cami – Perfect little nickname that works as a standalone
- Cara – Beloved (Latin)
- Cady – Pure (Greek)
Short names are easy to spell and pronounce, making them practical choices that never go out of style. Plus, they rarely get shortened to nicknames since they’re already nice and concise!
Looking for team names for your daughter’s future sports teams? Check out these basketball usernames that might inspire you!
Beautiful and Elegant C Names
Some names just exude sophistication and grace. These elegant C names have a timeless quality:
- Celeste – Heavenly (Latin)
- Cecilia – Blind (Latin)
- Camille – Young ceremonial attendant (Latin)
- Clarice – Famous, bright (Latin)
- Cordelia – Heart, daughter of the sea (Latin/Celtic)
- Catalina – Pure (Greek)
- Christabel – Beautiful Christian (English)
Cecilia has always been one of my favorites – it sounds like music when you say it (fittingly, Saint Cecilia is the patron saint of music!). These names tend to grow with a person beautifully from childhood into adulthood.
Old-Fashioned and Vintage C Names Making a Comeback
Everything old becomes new again, and that’s definitely true for baby names! These vintage picks are finding new life:
- Constance – Steadfast (Latin)
- Claudia – Lame (Latin)
- Corinne – Maiden (Greek)
- Clementine – Merciful (Latin)
- Cynthia – Moon goddess (Greek)
- Carole – Free man (Germanic)
- Cornelia – Horn (Latin)
Vintage names often feel fresh and distinctive to modern ears while carrying a sense of history and substance. Clementine is particularly charming with its connection to the fruit and the old folk song “Oh My Darling, Clementine.”
If you love vintage styles, you might enjoy these vintage usernames for future online accounts!
International and Multicultural C Names
The world is full of beautiful C names from different cultures. Here’s a sampling:
- Chiara – Clear, bright (Italian)
- Chantal – Stone (French)
- Catarina – Pure (Portuguese)
- Charita – Grace, kindness (Hindi)
- Callista – Most beautiful (Greek)
- Cansu – Life water (Turkish)
- Chizue – A thousand blessings (Japanese)
In our increasingly connected world, international names offer something special and meaningful. They can honor your heritage or simply bring a beautiful sound and meaning to your daughter’s identity.
Thematic C Names for Girls
Mythological and Literary C Names
- Calliope – Beautiful voice (Greek muse of epic poetry)
- Cassandra – Prophet (Greek mythology)
- Cressida – Gold (Shakespeare character)
- Cosette – Little thing (from Les Misérables)
- Coraline – From the popular children’s book
Nature-Inspired C Names
- Coral – Sea creature that forms reefs
- Camellia – Type of flower
- Cedar – Fragrant tree
- Clover – Three-leaved plant
- Crystal – Clear mineral formation
Virtue and Quality C Names
- Charity – Generosity, love
- Cherish – To hold dear
- Clarity – Clearness
- Courage – Bravery
- Constancy – Faithfulness
I’ve always loved how nature names connect a child to the beautiful world around them. My cousin named her daughter Camellia after the flowers that bloomed in her garden when she found out she was pregnant – such a lovely story behind the name!
Quick Facts About Girl Names Starting with C
Before diving into all the beautiful options, let’s look at some interesting facts:
- Charlotte has dominated the top spot among C names for girls in recent years
- There are over 500 unique girl names starting with C in major baby name databases
- C names come from diverse origins including Latin, Greek, French, Indian, and many more
- Many C names have lovely meanings related to light, purity, and strength
The letter C offers such variety – it can sound soft as in “Celine” or crisp as in “Claire.” This versatility might explain why C names remain consistently popular year after year.
How to Choose the Perfect C Name for Your Daughter
Finding the right name involves balancing so many factors! Here are some things to consider:
- Meaning: Do you want a name with a specific meaning or significance?
- Origin: Are you drawn to names from your cultural heritage or another tradition?
- Sound: How does it sound with your last name? Is it easy to pronounce?
- Uniqueness: Do you prefer a common name or something more distinctive?
- Family connections: Are there any C names in your family history you’d like to honor?
I always tell friends that the perfect name is one that feels right when you say it out loud. Try saying potential names as if you’re calling your daughter for dinner or introducing her to someone new. Does it feel natural? That’s often your best guide!
Popular Girl Names That Start with C
These names have stood the test of time and remain favorites among parents. They’re beloved for good reason!
| Name | Meaning | Origin | Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | Free woman | French | #3 |
| Camila | Young ceremonial attendant | Latin | #12 |
| Chloe | Blooming, verdant | Greek | #24 |
| Claire | Clear, bright | French | #57 |
| Caroline | Free woman | French | #73 |
| Clara | Clear, bright | Latin | #95 |
Charlotte has been wildly popular lately – and it’s no wonder! With its royal connections and the cute nickname “Charlie,” it hits the sweet spot of being traditional yet contemporary.
Check out some pool party names if you’re planning a celebration for your little one’s future birthday parties!
Unique and Rare Girl Names Starting with C
Looking for something a little different? These distinctive C names might be perfect:
- Calypso – A sea nymph from Greek mythology
- Cosima – Order, beauty (Italian)
- Caetana – From Gaeta (Portuguese)
- Cattleya – A type of orchid
- Cadence – Rhythm, flow
- Celestia – Heavenly
- Cicely – Blind (Latin)
Unique names give your daughter something special that’s all her own. My friend named her daughter Calypso, and it suits her adventurous spirit perfectly! People always remember her name and she loves having something distinctive.
Cute and Short C Names for Girls
Sometimes the sweetest names come in small packages! These short C names pack a lot of charm:
- Cora – Maiden (Greek)
- Cici – Often a nickname, but works beautifully on its own
- Cleo – Glory (Greek)
- Coco – Coconut (Spanish)
- Cami – Perfect little nickname that works as a standalone
- Cara – Beloved (Latin)
- Cady – Pure (Greek)
Short names are easy to spell and pronounce, making them practical choices that never go out of style. Plus, they rarely get shortened to nicknames since they’re already nice and concise!
Looking for team names for your daughter’s future sports teams? Check out these basketball usernames that might inspire you!
Beautiful and Elegant C Names
Some names just exude sophistication and grace. These elegant C names have a timeless quality:
- Celeste – Heavenly (Latin)
- Cecilia – Blind (Latin)
- Camille – Young ceremonial attendant (Latin)
- Clarice – Famous, bright (Latin)
- Cordelia – Heart, daughter of the sea (Latin/Celtic)
- Catalina – Pure (Greek)
- Christabel – Beautiful Christian (English)
Cecilia has always been one of my favorites – it sounds like music when you say it (fittingly, Saint Cecilia is the patron saint of music!). These names tend to grow with a person beautifully from childhood into adulthood.
Old-Fashioned and Vintage C Names Making a Comeback
Everything old becomes new again, and that’s definitely true for baby names! These vintage picks are finding new life:
- Constance – Steadfast (Latin)
- Claudia – Lame (Latin)
- Corinne – Maiden (Greek)
- Clementine – Merciful (Latin)
- Cynthia – Moon goddess (Greek)
- Carole – Free man (Germanic)
- Cornelia – Horn (Latin)
Vintage names often feel fresh and distinctive to modern ears while carrying a sense of history and substance. Clementine is particularly charming with its connection to the fruit and the old folk song “Oh My Darling, Clementine.”
If you love vintage styles, you might enjoy these vintage usernames for future online accounts!
International and Multicultural C Names
The world is full of beautiful C names from different cultures. Here’s a sampling:
- Chiara – Clear, bright (Italian)
- Chantal – Stone (French)
- Catarina – Pure (Portuguese)
- Charita – Grace, kindness (Hindi)
- Callista – Most beautiful (Greek)
- Cansu – Life water (Turkish)
- Chizue – A thousand blessings (Japanese)
In our increasingly connected world, international names offer something special and meaningful. They can honor your heritage or simply bring a beautiful sound and meaning to your daughter’s identity.
Thematic C Names for Girls
Mythological and Literary C Names
- Calliope – Beautiful voice (Greek muse of epic poetry)
- Cassandra – Prophet (Greek mythology)
- Cressida – Gold (Shakespeare character)
- Cosette – Little thing (from Les Misérables)
- Coraline – From the popular children’s book
Nature-Inspired C Names
- Coral – Sea creature that forms reefs
- Camellia – Type of flower
- Cedar – Fragrant tree
- Clover – Three-leaved plant
- Crystal – Clear mineral formation
Virtue and Quality C Names
- Charity – Generosity, love
- Cherish – To hold dear
- Clarity – Clearness
- Courage – Bravery
- Constancy – Faithfulness
I’ve always loved how nature names connect a child to the beautiful world around them. My cousin named her daughter Camellia after the flowers that bloomed in her garden when she found out she was pregnant – such a lovely story behind the name!
Modern and Trendy C Names
These names are gaining popularity and feel fresh and contemporary:
- Capri – Island in Italy
- Cairo – Victorious (Arabic)
- Charli – Modern spelling of the classic nickname
- Collins – Surname turned first name
- Camden – From the winding valley (English)
- Calliope – Beautiful voice (Greek)
- Camryn – Modern spelling variation
Modern names often break traditional naming rules, like using surnames as first names or creative spellings of classics. Collins has gained traction partly due to celebrity usage, showing how pop culture influences our naming choices.
For more modern naming ideas, check out these aesthetic usernames that might inspire a unique pick!
Extensive Master List of Girl Names Starting with C
Here’s an alphabetical sampling from the 500+ C names available (with meanings where known):
- Cabrina – Little goat (Latin)
- Cadie – Pure (Greek variant)
- Calanthe – Beautiful flower (Greek)
- Calista – Most beautiful (Greek)
- Camber – Crooked chamber (English)
- Candace – Queen mother (Ethiopian/Biblical)
- Caprice – Whimsical (French)
- Carina – Dear little one (Latin)
- Carissa – Very dear (Greek)
- Carla – Free woman (Germanic)
- Casey – Vigilant (Irish)
- Cassidy – Curly-haired (Irish)
- Cayenne – Like the pepper (French)
- Ceanna – God is gracious (Irish)
- Celina – Heavenly (Latin)
- Chanel – Canal (French)
- Chelsea – Port for chalk (English)
- Chieko – Wise child (Japanese)
- Christiana – Follower of Christ (Greek)
- Cindy – From Mount Kynthos (Greek)
- Clarissa – Clear, bright (Latin)
- Clementina – Merciful (Latin)
- Clio – Celebrate (Greek)
- Colette – Victory of the people (French)
- Consuelo – Consolation (Spanish)
- Cora – Maiden (Greek)
- Coretta – Maiden (Greek)
- Corisande – Heart filled with courage (French)
- Cornelia – Horn (Latin)
- Courtney – From the court (French)
- Crystal – Ice (Greek)
- Cybele – Mother goddess (Phrygian)
- Cynara – Artichoke (Greek)
- Cyrene – Wall (Greek)
Frequently Asked Questions About Girl Names Starting with C
What are the most popular C names in 2025?
Charlotte, Camila, and Chloe continue to top the charts, with Clara and Cora gaining ground quickly.
How do I choose a unique C name?
Look to mythology, international origins, or nature for inspiration. Names like Calypso, Celandine, or Calanthe are distinctive yet accessible.
What are some C names with beautiful meanings?
Celeste (heavenly), Calliope (beautiful voice), Charity (love), and Carina (dear one) all have lovely meanings.
Which C names are best for multicultural families?
Names that work across multiple languages are ideal, such as Cara, Clara, Carmen, and Carina, which are recognized in many cultures.
If you’re interested in nature-inspired names, check out these tree names for girls for more botanical inspiration!
Finding Your Perfect C Name
After exploring all these wonderful options, I hope you’ve found some names that speak to you! Remember, the best name is one that:
- You love saying out loud
- Has meaning for your family
- Feels right for the little person you’re welcoming
Whether you go with classic Charlotte, trendy Camryn, or unique Calypso, your daughter’s name will become part of her identity and your family story.
What’s your favorite girl name that starts with C? Do you have a special connection to any particular C name? The journey to finding the perfect name is so personal – trust your instincts and choose something you truly love!
For more naming inspiration, browse these creative usernames that might spark new ideas!
Greetings, I’m Alex – an expert in the art of naming teams, groups or brands, and businesses. With years of experience as a consultant for some of the most recognized companies out there, I want to pass on my knowledge and share tips that will help you craft an unforgettable name for your project through TeamGroupNames.Com!