Spanish Names that Start With C
- Carmen
Origin:
Spanish variation of Carmel or LatinMeaning:
"garden or song"Description:
Carmen has long been associated with the sensuous, tragic heroine of Bizet's opera, based on a novel by Prosper Merimee; more recently it has called to mind two other bombshells: Carmen Miranda (born Maria) and Carmen Electra (born Tara), as well as the great jazz singer Carmen McRae. In the celebrity baby name world, this classic Spanish name for girls was used by Hilaria and Alec Baldwin for their oldest daughter.
- Cruz
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"cross"Description:
For a single-syllable Latino surname, this new popular kid on the block packs a lot of energy and charm and is one of the most stylish Spanish names for boys in general use today. Victoria and David Beckham named their third son Cruz, following Brooklyn and Romeo, and it was also picked up on by tennis star Lleyton Hewitt for his son. Other parents may prize its Christian associations.
- Carmen
Origin:
Spanish variation of Carmel or LatinMeaning:
"garden or song"Description:
While the variation Carmine is more familiar for boys, Carmen has also been used as a masculine name; consider the very macho Carmen Basilio — the American boxer famous for defeating the great Sugar Ray Robinson — or composer Carmen Dragon.
Spanish and Italian forms Carmelo and Carmello are also quite popular in the US, with Carmelo ranking in the Top 1000.
- Catalina
Origin:
Spanish variation of CatherineMeaning:
"pure"Description:
This name of a touristed island in sight of Los Angeles makes an attractive and newly stylish variation on the classic Catherine or overused Caitlin.
- Carlos
Origin:
Spanish variation of CharlesMeaning:
"free man"Description:
Carlos is the Spanish and Portuguese variation of Charles, which has been used in solid numbers in the US for as long as data has been kept. Carlos has never fallen out of the Top 600, but peaked from the 70s-early 2000s. Today Carlos is still within the Top 200. Notable namesakes include musician Santana, writers Fuentes and Castaneda, and numerous athletes. Carlos Irwin Estevez is the birth name of Charlie Sheen.
- Cristian
Origin:
Spanish, Romanian and Italian form of Christian, LatinMeaning:
"follower of Christ"Description:
Both Christian and Cristian rank in the US Top 500 names for boys, and while the classic "Ch" spelling is used more than four times as often, Cristian is still given to more than 1000 boys each year, and is often used in the Hispanic community.
- Canyon
Origin:
Spanish word nameDescription:
Canyon is a unique baby name evocative of natural splendor and the old Steve Canyon comic-strip heroism, making it an intriguing new word-name possibility.
- Carmelo
Origin:
Spanish and Italian from HebrewMeaning:
"garden"Description:
Carmelo is a well-used Hispanic name associated with Mt. Carmel, home of the prophet Elijah and the location of the convent for the order of Carmelites. Carmelo is also a saint's name and — in modern times — tied to basketball player Carmelo Anthony.
- Carlo
Origin:
Italian variation of Charles, FrenchMeaning:
"free man"Description:
An energetic and friendly Italian classic, Carlo is popular in its native Italy, but also familiar across Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, France, and Brazil. A variation of the regal French and English classic Charles, it is ultimately derived from the Latin Carolus and the Germanic Karl, meaning "free man".
- Chicho
Description:
Chicho is a masculine name with Spanish and Latin American origins, typically used as an affectionate nickname rather than a formal given name. Derived from the Spanish word "chico" meaning "boy" or "small," Chicho carries a warmth and familiarity that reflects close relationships. In many Spanish-speaking communities, it serves as a diminutive for Francisco, though it can also function as an independent nickname for other names or become a formal name in its own right. The name conveys a cheerful, approachable quality with its repeating "ch" sound, giving it a playful, friendly character. While uncommon as a legal given name in most countries, Chicho remains popular within Hispanic families as a term of endearment. The name's informal nature gives it a perpetually youthful quality that persists throughout life.
- Celestina
Origin:
Italian and Spanish variation of CelesteMeaning:
"heavenly"Description:
We are hearing more of such heavenly names as Celeste and Celia, which opens the door to the range of lovely variations rarely heard before. Celestina is one of them, though given the more accessible options, it may be gilding the lily.
- Claudio
Origin:
Italian, SpanishMeaning:
"lame; enclosure"Description:
Claudio, a most appealing Italian name, is featured in not one, but two Shakespearean plays, ,Measure for Measure and Much Ado About Nothing. While "lame" is the most widely acknowledged meaning, some etymologists theorize that the name may relate to the word for enclosure or clause, an alternate meaning that may appeal to a child with a form of this otherwise-attractive name.
- Clemente
Origin:
Spanish, Portuguese, ItalianMeaning:
"mild, merciful"Description:
A more romantic form of old school Clement, which ranks in the Top 100 boy names in Chile. Clemente, like Clement, derives from the Late Latin name Clemens, the name of 14 popes and several saints.
- Cinta
Description:
Cinta is a feminine name with Indonesian and Spanish origins, carrying beautiful meanings in both languages. In Indonesian, particularly in Javanese culture, Cinta means 'love' and is used both as a name and as an everyday expression of affection. In Spanish, it relates to 'cinta' meaning 'ribbon' or 'tape,' symbolizing connection and beauty. The name has a simple, melodic quality with its clear consonants and flowing vowel sounds. While rare in English-speaking countries, Cinta has maintained consistent usage in Indonesia and Spanish-speaking regions. The name's brevity and easy pronunciation make it accessible across languages, while its meaningful associations with love and beauty give it emotional resonance. Cinta offers a multicultural option that's both distinctive and meaningful.
- Consuelo
Origin:
Spanish from LatinMeaning:
"she who brings consolation"Description:
Consuelo is a chic, highly sophisticated Spanish name that works well with Anglo surnames. It was regularly on the U.S. popularity list through 1983, reaching as high as Number 339 in 1930.
- Crisanta
Origin:
Spanish from GreekMeaning:
"golden flower, chrysanthemum"Description:
Crisanta, while not related to Christine, would make a pretty and highly unusual alternative to that tried-and-true name. Because of its relationship to the chrysanthemum, the flower of the month of November, it's one of the recommended names for Scorpio babies as well as names for November babies. Crisanta might also give you a fresh route to nicknames like Cris, Crissy, or Cristie.
- Chito
Origin:
Choctaw, Native AmericanMeaning:
"handsome"Description:
A short, snappy name of Choctaw origin, with a charming meaning, Chito might also be used in Georgian where it means "bird", and as a Filipino and Spanish short form and pet name.
- Cayo
Origin:
Latin, from the Roman family name CaiusMeaning:
"rejoice"Description:
Cayo is a rare and rhythmic Spanish name, all but unknown in the English-speaking world, that would make a lively choice.
- Chara
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"joy"Description:
Chara is the name of a star in a constellation that represents hunting dogs, recently named as one of the most likely to host extraterrestrial life. Also, Chara is a variation of both Sarah and Charlotte.
- Cesar
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"head of hair"Description:
Cesar is the sleeker version of Caesar, as in emperor Julius, used in the US most frequently by Hispanic parents who put the emphasis on the second syllable. With ancient Roman names back in vogue, Cesar might become more popular.
