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French Names that Start With C

  1. Claudiu

    • Description:

      Claudiu is a masculine name of Romanian origin, derived from the Latin name Claudius which means 'lame' or 'limping'—though this etymology has little bearing on its modern usage. Popular in Romania and Moldova, Claudiu represents the Romanian adaptation of the classical Roman name. The name has historical significance through the Roman Emperor Claudius and maintains connections to variants like Claude, Claudio, and Claudius used in other European languages. Claudiu has a strong, distinctive sound while remaining relatively easy to pronounce across languages. Though uncommon outside Romanian-speaking regions, it offers an accessible option for parents seeking a name with Roman roots and Eastern European character that works well internationally.
  2. Claudian

    • Description:

      Claudian is a masculine name with ancient Roman roots, derived from the Latin name Claudius, meaning 'lame' or 'limping' - though this original meaning has long been divorced from the name's perception. Historically significant, the name recalls Claudian (Claudius Claudianus), a celebrated Latin poet who lived in the late 4th and early 5th centuries. The name carries a scholarly, classical air that evokes the grandeur of ancient Rome. While uncommon in modern usage, Claudian offers a distinguished alternative to the more familiar Claude or Claudio. Its literary and historical associations give it intellectual gravitas, potentially appealing to parents with an appreciation for classical culture or literature.
  3. Chaney

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "oak tree"

    • Description:

      Beautiful meaning for parents fond of nature-themed names that are a little less obvious. Actor Chaney Kley was one famous bearer of this surname-name.
  4. Cesarine

    • Origin:

      French feminine version of Caesar

    • Description:

      Cesarine is the French femininer version of Casear. It is used occasionally in French-speaking countries, including Belgium, Switzerland and Jersey.
  5. Césaire

    • Description:

      Césaire is a distinguished masculine name of French origin, derived from the Latin name Caesar, which means 'head of hair' or possibly 'to cut.' The name carries an air of nobility and intellectual gravitas, partly due to its association with notable figures like Aimé Césaire, the renowned Martinican poet and politician. Predominantly used in French-speaking regions and countries with French colonial history, Césaire maintains a certain elegance and cultural richness. The name's sophisticated pronunciation (say-ZAIR) and accent mark give it a distinguished quality in international contexts. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it appeals to parents seeking a name with historical depth, literary connections, and a distinctively French character.

  6. Cyrille

    • Origin:

      French from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "lordly"

    • Description:

      A unisex French name, but you may want to simplify your son's life if you're English speakers by going with Cyril. It's an unusual enough name that it doesn't need further complications of spelling and pronunciation.
  7. Chréstien

    • Description:

      Chréstien is a masculine name of French origin, derived from the Latin 'Christianus,' meaning 'follower of Christ.' This particular spelling with the accent mark represents a traditional French orthography. The name gained some recognition through Chrétien de Troyes, the famous 12th-century French poet known for his Arthurian romances who helped shape the literary traditions of courtly love. Despite its historical significance, Chréstien remains quite rare as a given name today, even in French-speaking regions. The name carries cultural and religious connotations, potentially appealing to parents interested in French heritage or medieval literature. Its pronunciation (kray-TYEN) might present challenges in non-French speaking environments.
  8. Citron

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "lemon"

    • Description:

      A Gallic twist on a word or nature name, which has a nice lemony feel.
  9. Colombain

    • Description:

      Colombain is a rare masculine name of French origin, derived from the Latin 'columba' meaning 'dove'. Historically associated with peace and gentleness, the name shares roots with the more familiar Columban or Columbanus, a significant Irish saint who founded several monasteries across Europe in the 6th century. Colombain carries connotations of peace, spirituality, and wisdom. Despite its beautiful meaning and historical connections, it remains uncommon even in French-speaking regions. The name offers a distinctive choice for parents drawn to rare names with historical depth and positive symbolism, though its unusual nature might require occasional explanation in modern contexts.

  10. Chaney

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "oak tree"

    • Description:

      An appealing surname-name that sounds perfectly feminine, unless you consider the association to Vice President Dick.
  11. Candide

    • Origin:

      French from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "naive"

    • Description:

      The French version of Candida, and with no unfortunate medical connection, much more wearable. It has never been recorded in the US charts, but could be a charming alternative to names like Cosette, Celine, Celeste, or Constance. In France, although not common, it was used in small numbers in the 1970s and 1980s.
  12. Cachet

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "prestigious, desirable"

    • Description:

      Cachet is one of those word names -- Cliché is the most egregious example -- that sounds lovely but seems slightly ridiculous when taken literally.
  13. Chrétien

    • Description:

      Chrétien is a masculine French name derived from the Latin 'Christianus,' meaning 'Christian' or 'follower of Christ.' This name carries religious significance and has historical importance in French culture. Notable bearers include medieval French poet Chrétien de Troyes, famous for his Arthurian romances. While uncommon in modern usage, even in French-speaking regions, the name maintains an air of literary sophistication and cultural heritage. The distinctive accent mark (é) gives it an unmistakably French character. Chrétien evokes classical education and refinement, appealing to parents drawn to names with historical depth and European elegance. Its rarity makes it a distinguished choice that connects to both religious tradition and French cultural legacy.

  14. Claudien

    • Description:

      Claudien is a masculine name derived from the Roman family name Claudius, which comes from Latin 'claudus' meaning 'lame' or 'crippled.' It can be considered a French variant of Claude or an elaboration of the Latin name Claudianus. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Claudien has some usage in French-speaking regions and countries with French influence. The name carries an air of classical sophistication and historical significance, reminiscent of the Roman Empire. Claudien projects dignity and intellectualism, qualities associated with its ancient Roman roots. The name has remained relatively rare, allowing bearers to enjoy a distinctive identity without being too obscure.
  15. Cornelie

    • Description:

      Cornelie is a feminine name of Latin origin, representing the French and German feminine form of Cornelius. The name derives from the Roman clan name Cornelius, possibly relating to the Latin word "cornu" meaning "horn." Cornelie carries aristocratic associations in European history, particularly in French and German noble families from the medieval period through the 19th century. While relatively uncommon today, it maintains an elegant, classical quality that connects to European cultural heritage. The name has a refined sound with its soft ending, distinguishing it from the more commonly known Cornelia. Cornelie offers parents a sophisticated choice with historical depth while remaining recognizable despite its rarity.

  16. Chandelle

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "candle"

    • Description:

      Sounds classy...but isn't.
  17. Christiane

    • Origin:

      German and French feminine form of Christian

    • Description:

      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.
  18. Colombe

    • Description:

      Colombe is a delicate French feminine name meaning 'dove,' symbolizing peace, purity, and gentleness. Derived from the Latin 'columba,' this name has been used in France since medieval times, often associated with Christian symbolism as the dove represents the Holy Spirit. Saint Columba was a notable 6th-century Irish missionary. The name gained particular significance in France after World War II when the dove became an important peace symbol. Though never extremely common, Colombe carries an elegant, refined quality that appeals to those with French heritage or an appreciation for French culture. The name remains a timeless choice that balances traditional roots with a distinctive, melodic sound that's recognizable yet rarely encountered.
  19. Chablis

    • Origin:

      French place- and wine name

    • Description:

      Chardonnay's twin sister.
  20. Christelle

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Christine, French

    • Meaning:

      "a Christian"

    • Description:

      Christelle is a feminine name of French origin, developed as a diminutive form of Christine, which itself derives from the Greek 'Christos' meaning 'anointed one.' The suffix '-elle' adds a delicate, feminine quality to the name. Popular primarily in French-speaking regions including France, Switzerland, and Quebec, Christelle gained notable popularity during the 1970s and 1980s. The name carries Christian associations while embodying French elegance and sophistication. Christelle has a melodious quality with its soft consonants and flowing sound pattern. While not extremely common in English-speaking countries, it has gained appreciation among those seeking names with European flair. Bearers of this name might appreciate its connection to faith traditions while enjoying its distinctively French character and refined aesthetic appeal.