Spanish Names that Start With C
- 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:
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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".
- 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.
- 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.
- Chilo
Description:
Chilo is a masculine name with Latin and Greek roots, where 'chilo' means 'lip' or relates to having full lips. In ancient Greece, 'Chilon' was a renowned Spartan philosopher, one of the Seven Wise Men. The name remains relatively uncommon in modern usage, maintaining a sense of classical distinction. In some Hispanic communities, it may appear as a diminutive form of names like Francisco or variations of other traditional names. Chilo carries an air of scholarly wisdom and classical heritage, making it an interesting choice for parents seeking a name with historical depth yet relative uniqueness.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cesaria
Origin:
Feminization of Cesar, LatinMeaning:
"head of hair"Description:
Cesaria, a modern feminine form of Caesar or the Latinate Cesar, has been obscure in the Western World but may stir to life along with other names that have their roots in ancient Rome. Cesarina, Cesarie, and Cesarea are other options.
- Cordovan
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"native of Cordoba; Cordovan leather"Description:
This strong sounding choice is associated with a type of tanned leather that takes its name from the city of Cordoba in Spain, the region in which it was originally made. Cordoba itself is sometimes said to mean "good town".
- 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.
- Chaco
Description:
Chaco is a masculine name with multiple cultural connections. It may derive from the Chaco region of South America (spanning parts of Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay), an area named from the Quechua word 'chacu' meaning 'hunting land.' Alternatively, it could relate to Japanese origins where it might be a variation of 'Chako.' The name has a strong, distinct sound with its two clear syllables. Chaco is rare as a first name in most Western countries, giving it an exotic and distinctive quality. It appeals to parents looking for a short, memorable name with cultural significance, particularly those with connections to South American heritage or an appreciation for names with geographical associations.
- Cristina
Origin:
Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Catalan, and Romanian variation of Christina, GreekMeaning:
"a Christian"Description:
Cristina is one case where the streamlined version feels more alluring. Cristina is found more often than Christina in many European countries and cultures, including Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking Latin and South America.
- Chencho
Description:
Chencho is a masculine name with Spanish and Latin American origins, particularly common in Mexico. It traditionally functions as a familiar nickname for Inocencio, which derives from the Latin 'innocens' meaning 'innocent' or 'harmless.' In some regions, Chencho can also be a diminutive for other names like Cresencio. The name carries a warm, friendly quality and reflects Hispanic cultural traditions of using affectionate shortened forms of longer names. While not widely used outside Spanish-speaking communities, Chencho has a rhythmic, memorable sound. It represents cultural heritage and family connections, often passed through generations as both a formal name and a term of endearment within families and close-knit communities.
- 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.
- Chila
Description:
Chila is a feminine name with diverse cultural origins. It may be derived from the Hindi word 'chila' meaning 'kite' (the bird), or it could be a diminutive form of names like Priscilla or Cecilia in some Latin cultures. The name might also have roots in Native American languages. Chila has remained relatively uncommon in most Western countries, giving it a distinctive quality. Those named Chila often appreciate its brevity and melodic sound. The name's rarity makes it stand out while still being straightforward to pronounce in many languages. In some communities, Chila may be used as a nickname for longer names, adding to its versatile appeal.
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