Italian Names that Start With C

Carina

Italian

"dear little one"

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.

Concettina

Concettina is a feminine name of Italian origin, functioning as an affectionate diminutive of Concetta. The root name Concetta derives from the Italian word 'concetto' meaning 'concept' or 'idea,'…

Carmela

Italian and Spanish variation of Carmel

"garden"

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…

Caro

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

"free man"

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

Caterina

Italian variation of Katherine

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

Celestina

Italian and Spanish variation of Celeste

"heavenly"

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…

Celinka

Celinka is a feminine name with Slavic origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Celina or Selina. These names ultimately derive from the Greek 'Selene,' meaning 'moon.' Celinka carries a…

Chiara

Italian

"light, clear"

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. Santa Chiara, Aglicized…

Chiarina

Chiarina is a delicate feminine name with Italian origins, functioning as a diminutive form of 'Chiara,' the Italian variant of 'Clara.' Derived from the Latin 'clarus,' meaning 'bright, clear, or…

Clarice

Medieval form of Clarita, a derivative of Clara

"bright, clear"

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…

Claretta

Diminutive of Clara, Latin

"bright, clear"

An elaborate diminutive of Clara with a slightly retro feel, Claretta was at its peak in the 1940s though it's never been particularly popular. Nevertheless, it may make an unexpected route to…

Clarina

Clarina is a feminine name with Latin origins, serving as an elaborate form of Clara, meaning 'clear, bright, or famous.' This melodic name combines the strength of its initial consonant blend with a…

Concetta

Italian

"pure"

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

Carlotta

Italian variation of Charlotte, French diminutive of Charles

"free man"

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…

Constantia

Latin

"constant, steadfast"

A rare and refined name, which could make for a surprising route to cute nickname Connie.

Cosetta

Italian, French

"little thing"

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

Cristina

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

"a Christian"

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…

Cinzia

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…

Cameo

Word name

This evocative term for a stone or shell carved in relief could make a striking first name for a girl, though she would have a starring role in her story, rather than a cameo.