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Italian Names that Start With C

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Oct 01 2024
  1. Chiara

    • Origin:

      Italian

    • Meaning:

      "light, clear"

    • Description:

      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.
  2. Cristina

    • Origin:

      Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Catalan, and Romanian variation of Christina, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  3. Carina

    • Origin:

      Italian

    • Meaning:

      "dear little one"

    • Description:

      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.
  4. Cassio

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Cassius

    • Meaning:

      "hollow"

    • Description:

      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.
  5. Cosimo

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Cosmo

    • Meaning:

      "order, beauty, universe"

    • Description:

      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.
  6. Caro

    • Origin:

      Diminuitve of Carol or Caroline, English, French ,"free man"

    • Meaning:

      "free man"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Charlotte, French diminutive of Charles

    • Meaning:

      "free man"

    • Description:

      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.
  8. Carlo

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Charles, French

    • Meaning:

      "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".
  9. Cielo

    • Origin:

      Italian

    • Meaning:

      "sky"

    • Description:

      Expansive, sunny Italian word name.
  10. Celestina

    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish variation of Celeste

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  11. Cinzia

    • Description:

      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.
  12. Carmela

    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish variation of Carmel

    • Meaning:

      "garden"

    • Description:

      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.
  13. Ciro

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Cyrus

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Spanish, Portuguese, Italian

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  15. Concetta

    • Origin:

      Italian

    • Meaning:

      "pure"

    • Description:

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

    • Description:

      Cidro is a masculine name with Latin and Mediterranean influences, likely derived from 'citrus' or related to the Spanish word 'cidro' referring to the citron fruit tree. It may also be a variant of Isidro or Isidore, which comes from Greek meaning 'gift of Isis.' Cidro has a fresh, crisp sound that evokes sunshine and Mediterranean landscapes. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, the name may have more presence in Spanish, Portuguese, or Italian communities. The name's association with citrus fruits gives it connotations of brightness, freshness, and vitality. Cidro offers a distinctive alternative to more common names while maintaining an approachable sound and spelling. Its botanical connections also align with the trend toward nature-inspired names.

  17. Caterina

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Katherine

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Italian form of Caesar, Latin, "hairy; to cut"

    • Meaning:

      "hairy; to cut"

    • Description:

      The handsome Italian variant of Caesar, a name synonymous with Julius, leadership, emperors, and salad, Cesare offers a form with plenty of flair. A rising choice in Italy where it recently made the Top 50, it is pronounced with three syllables: CHEH-za-reh (or CHEH-za-ray among English speakers).
  19. Cosetta

    • Origin:

      Italian, French

    • Meaning:

      "little thing"

    • Description:

      Italianate variation of Cosette, from Victor Hugo's Les Misérables.
  20. Caro

    • Origin:

      Italian

    • Meaning:

      "dear"

    • Description:

      The meaning is endearing, but it also feels uncomfortably like a short form for Caroline. Its artistic reference is British sculptor Anthony Caro.

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