Italian Names that Start With C

Chiara is a lovely and romantic Italian name that's familiar but not widely used here: a real winner. You might consider Chiara instead of Claire, Clara, Cara, or even Keira.

Carina is a pretty delicately feminine name whose fall from popularity is not helped by its similarity to hurricane name Katrina or slang victim Karen.

Expansive, sunny Italian word name.

Energetic Italian classic that would blend with a surname of any ethnicity.

Dramatic and worldly, Cosimo was chosen by singer Beck and his wife, Marissa Ribisi, for their son. Now that Cosima has emerged as a starbaby favorite, twin brother Cosimo could join her.

This name of an old Hollywood nightclub still retains a spark of glamour.

Cassio is a notable Shakespearean name that's a member of the ever-more-popular Cassius family of names. Cassio was Othello's young, good-looking, and flirtatious lieutenant.

Carlotta has a large measure of finger-snapping charm and substance — despite being a not too pleasant character in The Little Mermaid. Carlotta is also the diva/prima donna in The Phantom of the Opera, and there was an Empress Carlotta of Mexico.

A name that relates to Concepcion and the Virgin Mary, but feels a good deal more secular.

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.

If you’re a fan of the annual animated Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, you’ll recognize the name of Rudolph’s beautiful doe sweetheart, pronounced cla-REES—uncomfortably close to the Silence of the Lambs pronunciation. Clarice was the name of the wife of Lorenzo de' Medici, and Clarice Cliff was a famed British ceramics artist. Though a Top 300 name from 1906 to 1934, modern parents might prefer the more delicate Clarissa.

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.

If your ancestry is Italian, you may want to consider this elegant twist on a classic.

Upper-crusty nickname occasionally used in Britain, particularly in 1930s novels featuring significant garden party scenes, but eclipsed here by Carrie et al.

Carmela has been most famous recently as the name of Tony Soprano's TV wife, played by Edie Falco. The spellings Carmela and Carmella are both used in Latin cultures including Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese, and are used nearly equally in the US, given to a total of about 300 baby girls last year.

Cesare is the Italian form of Caesar, a name with ancient Roman origins. The name derives from Latin, possibly meaning "hairy" or, more likely, from the verb "caedere" meaning "to cut," referring to birth by caesarean section. Julius Caesar is the most famous historical bearer, whose name became synonymous with leadership and imperial power, eventually becoming a title for Roman emperors. Cesare has been used in Italy for centuries, with notable bearers including Renaissance figure Cesare Borgia and artist Cesare Maccari. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it maintains steady usage in Italy. The name carries connotations of strength, authority, and classical sophistication, pronounced cheh-ZAH-ray in Italian, giving it a melodious, romantic quality.

Cinzia is a feminine Italian name derived from Cynthia, which ultimately comes from Greek mythology where it was an epithet of Artemis, the goddess of the moon, who was born on Mount Cynthus. This elegant name carries the cultural richness of Italian heritage while maintaining connections to ancient mythological roots. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Cinzia is more familiar in Italy and Italian communities worldwide. It offers a melodic, sophisticated alternative to the more common Cynthia, with its distinctive 'z' sound adding a unique flair. The name suggests refinement, creativity, and cultural sophistication.

Cristina is one case where the streamlined version feels more alluring.

Cedro is a masculine name with Latin origins, deriving from 'cedrus', meaning 'cedar tree'. The cedar has long symbolized strength, dignity, and immortality across many cultures. As a name, Cedro conveys these noble qualities while maintaining a melodic, accessible sound. Popular primarily in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking regions, the name connects its bearer to the natural world and evokes the majestic presence of the cedar. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, Cedro offers a distinctive alternative to more common tree-inspired names. Its relatively simple pronunciation and spelling, combined with its meaningful natural symbolism, make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with both substance and style.

Naples-born Enrico Caruso was one of the greatest opera singers of all time. Recordings of his powerful singing voice are still in circulation today, nearly 100 years after his death.