Cat Names That Start With C

  1. Columbus
    • Origin:

      Variation of Columbo or Columbia, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "dove"
    • Description:

      This is a big name, both in heritage and sound. On the right child, this could be inspired, but others may shrink from all the connotations. While your preferred nickname for this option might be Col (or Kit if you're connecting it to Christopher Columbus), you may end up with the slightly more cumbersome "Bus" as the short-form.
  2. Chardonnay
    • Origin:

      French, a dry white wine
    • Description:

      If you're actually considering this as a name for your child, you must have had a glass too many. But it's an awesome name for a white cat.
  3. Cougar
    • Origin:

      Nature name
    • Description:

      Several animal names, from Fox to Wolf and even to Tiger, ccan work, but Cougar should stay in its cage. Even John Mellencamp has dropped it.
  4. Colbie
    • Description:

      Colbie is a contemporary unisex name that has gained modest popularity in recent decades, though traditionally used more for males. With potential English origins, it likely developed from surnames like Colby or Kolbe, which meant 'coal town' or 'dark farm' in Old Norse and Old English. The modernized spelling with 'ie' ending gives the name a friendly, approachable quality. Colbie gained some recognition through singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat, though it remains relatively uncommon. The name carries a casual, unpretentious feel while still being distinctive. Its short, two-syllable structure and familiar sounds make it accessible across cultural boundaries. As with many surname-derived first names, Colbie represents the modern trend of repurposing traditional family names as given names.
  5. Cronan
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "dark one"
    • Description:

      A distinctive alternative to Conan.
  6. Chasin
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "strong, mighty"
    • Description:

      Old World Jewish name that could travel to the New.
  7. Cinderella
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "little ash-girl"
    • Description:

      One familiar name never used for real people, for obvious reasons. Read more about Cinderella and other Disney Princess Names in our featured blog.
  8. Cendrillon
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "little ashes"
    • Description:

      The unusual (to English speakers) name Cendrillon is French for Cinderella, though most Americans wouldn't recognize it as such. This might make an excellent middle name for those who are looking for something rare, whimsical, fantastical, and literary. But you must insist on the lovely French pronunciation — if you're choosing a name this uncommon, why not go all the way.
  9. Corcoran
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "ruddy-faced"
    • Description:

      Corky was a sitcom moniker of the fifties, Corcoran a better fit for these times.
  10. Chewy
    • Description:

      Chewy is a masculine name that originated as a nickname or diminutive form, most famously associated with the Star Wars character Chewbacca. As a given name, it has an inherently playful, affectionate quality. While uncommon as a legal name, Chewy has gained some recognition through pop culture references and the growing trend of using casual, friendly names officially. The name conveys warmth, approachability, and a bit of whimsy. Parents might choose Chewy for its distinctive sound, its pop culture connections, or simply for its cheerful, memorable quality. As with many nickname-derived names, Chewy has a contemporary feel that breaks from traditional naming conventions while offering a unique identity.
  11. Channing
    • Origin:

      English or Irish
    • Meaning:

      "people of Cana or wolf cub"
    • Description:

      While the most famous Channing is the very male Channing Tatum, the name is now given about a third of the time for girls. Television executive Channing Dungey is a well-know example of a female Channing. It makes an attractive surname-name for either gender.
  12. Chili
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Spicy but insubstantial nickname name.
  13. Cornel
    • Origin:

      Romanian, variation of Cornelius; tree name
    • Description:

      People are likely to want to put that second - Cornell University inspired - L on the end of this name, when in fact it has a completely different etymology. This name is very popular in Romania though American public intellectural Cornel West and South African athlete Cornel Fredericks broadens its use beyond Eastern Europe.
  14. Cassava
    • Origin:

      Nature name
    • Description:

      Better known as Tapioca, Cassava makes an innovative way to get to the nicknames Cass or Cassie.
  15. Coriander
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "bed bug"
    • Description:

      This herb is also known as cilantro. It's meaning, "bed bug" is on account of its smell, characterized by the ancient Greeks as bed bug-like.
  16. Chai
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Meaning:

      "tea"
    • Description:

      Most people are likely to associate the name Chai with tea, but it's also a Chinese surname and Hebrew masculine name.

      The video game series Soulcalibur features a female character named Chai.

  17. Cendrine
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "little ashes"
    • Description:

      Cendrine derives from Cendrillon, the French form of Cinderella. It's quite uncommon, even in France, but if the fairy tale made a big impression on you, it could be a sweet tribute.
  18. Coleridge
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "ridge where charcoal is burnt"
    • Description:

      Name of a poet, this will be one for consideration by literary parents. The name fits well with the current trend towards surnames as given names, but beware the three syllable pronunciation, which may be a trap for the poetically disinclined.
  19. Charna
    • Origin:

      Yiddish
    • Meaning:

      "dark, black"
    • Description:

      Popular name in Israel, worth considering for a dark-haired daughter with a bit of a bohemian cast.
  20. Chikao
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "clever; wise; man"