French Names that Start With C
- Cyprien
Description:
Cyprien is a masculine name with French origins, derived from the Latin name Cyprianus, meaning 'from Cyprus.' The name connects to the ancient Mediterranean island of Cyprus, which was sacred to Aphrodite in Greek mythology. Cyprien has a long history of use in France and French-speaking regions, with notable peaks during early Christian periods due to the veneration of Saint Cyprian, a 3rd-century bishop and martyr. While well-established in French culture, the name remains uncommon in English-speaking countries. Cyprien carries an elegant, sophisticated quality characteristic of French names. It offers a distinctive alternative to more common names while maintaining historical roots and cultural significance. The name balances classic heritage with a slightly exotic quality, appealing to parents seeking something traditional yet uncommon.
- Cybele
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"the mother of all gods"Description:
The Anatolian mother goddess Cybele had a place in Greek, Roman, Trojan, and Anatolian mythology. Today, she has special meaning as a symbol of gender nonconformity.
- Clément
Origin:
French, from LatinMeaning:
"mild, merciful"Description:
The French form of Clement, this well-used French classic was especially popular in France in the 90s and 2000s.
- Caprice
Origin:
French from ItalianMeaning:
"impulsive change of mind; lively music"Description:
Caprice is a word name with an appealing sound and a light-hearted meaning that may well put parents off. While it was given to just 10 girls in a recent year, the name did have a moment back in the late 60s and then again in the 90s. In England and Wales, it even made the Top 400 in 1997.
- Claudine
Origin:
French feminine variation of ClaudeDescription:
There are much chicer versions of this name today, such as Claudie, Claudia, or Claude itself. Claudine is a name wobbling on the edge of extinction.
- Chevy
Origin:
French, diminutive of ChevalierMeaning:
"horseman, knight"Description:
Eternally tied to the surname Chase, via the old English battle and ballad, the DC suburb, and the goofy SNL pratfaller (who was born Cornelius). It entered the US Top 1000 in 2014.
- Chanel
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"dweller near the canal"Description:
Fans of the classic French designer would now more fashionably choose Coco.
- Cécile
Description:
Cécile is a feminine French name derived from the Latin 'Caecilia', the feminine form of 'Caecilius', an ancient Roman family name possibly meaning 'blind' or related to the Latin word 'caecus'. The name gained popularity through Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians in the Catholic tradition. Cécile has been used in France since medieval times and maintains steady popularity in French-speaking regions. The accent over the first 'e' creates the soft 'say-SEEL' pronunciation. The name carries an elegant, refined quality typical of French names while maintaining historical depth. Cécile evokes images of sophistication and artistic sensibility, perhaps influenced by its connection to the musically-inclined saint.
- Cesarine
Origin:
French feminine version of CaesarDescription:
Cesarine is the French femininer version of Casear. It is used occasionally in French-speaking countries, including Belgium, Switzerland and Jersey.
- Cherie
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"darling"Description:
The kind of French name that seemed daring -- and darling -- in the sixties.
- Charlot
Origin:
French nickname for CharlesMeaning:
"free man"Description:
The way the French allude to Charlie Chaplin could make a charming name on its own, or a hip nickname alternate to Charlie or Chuck. It's also used in the Creole community.
- Constantin
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"steadfast"Description:
More likely to be spelled Constantine, this was the name of the first Christian emperor of the Roman empire, as well as three Scottish kings. Previously thought of as too bulky and unwieldy a name for a modern child, these days it would be perfectly acceptable.
- Cantrelle
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"song"Description:
Vocal name seldom heard, with most elle-ending names these days dropped in favor of the more straightforward Elle and Ella.
- Chloé
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"young green shoot"Description:
French form of Chloé. A popular choice with French-speaking parents, though people elsewhere may associate it most with luxury handbags.
- Céline
Origin:
French variation of CelesteMeaning:
"heavenly"Description:
French Canadian singer Dion made us notice this variation, but most parents would prefer the Selene spelling.
- Cadeau
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"gift"Description:
Cadeau puts a decidedly French-ified twist on the word name trend, but don't be surprised if you encounter ponies and poodles with the same moniker.
- Chesare
Description:
Chesare is a variant spelling of Caesar, derived from the famous Roman family name that became synonymous with leadership and imperial power. The name possibly originates from Latin words meaning 'hairy' or from an Etruscan word for 'elephant.' This alternative spelling gives the classic name a modern, distinctive appearance while maintaining its historical gravitas. While less common than the standard Caesar or the Italian Cesare, Chesare offers parents a way to honor this storied name with a unique twist. The name evokes qualities of strength, leadership and classical education, carrying echoes of Julius Caesar and the subsequent emperors who adopted his name as a title.
- Calais
Origin:
French place-nameDescription:
Undiscovered name of picturesque northern French port.
- Christiane
Origin:
German and French feminine form of ChristianDescription:
There are not one but two notable modern women with this name: journalist Christiane Amanpour and physician/author Christiane Northrup. In Germany, the pronunciation is kris-tee-AH-na while in France, it's kris-tee-AHN — and in the U.S., there's sure to be confusion. While Christiane is not stylish, it's a strong, attractive, unusual-though-familiar name.
- Cyrille
Origin:
French from LatinMeaning:
"lordly"Description:
Cyrille is a unisex French name, and its association with the suddenly suave Cyril has turned from a liability into an advantage.
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