Welsh Names that Start With C
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Oct 01 2024
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- Carys
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"love"Description:
Light, pretty and distinctive in appearance, Carys is one of that sweet group of girl names with a loving meaning. A relatively modern name, it didn't come into use in its native Wales until the late nineteenth century, and even then, it wasn't a mainstream choice until the middle of the twentieth century. Pronounced as CA-riss, the beginning sound is like the one cat or Catherine, not said to rhyme with Claire.
- Cerys
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"love"Description:
Common name in Wales that's all but unknown in the U.S. Certainly an attractive choice ripe for export. In the UK it sits at Number 330.
- Celyn
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"holly"Description:
Celyn, which starts with the hard K sound and rhymes with Helen, is a Top 100 name in Wales although largely unknown outside that tiny, beautiful country. It is usually a masculine name.
- Ceridwen
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"beautiful as a poem"Description:
Celtic goddess of poetry, though less-than-poetic name.
- Caradoc
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"amiable, beloved"Description:
Derived from the name Caradog, the handsome ancient Celtic name was worn by one of the Knights of the Round Table, as well as a semi-legendary Welsh King. Possibly a cognate of Cedric and Carys, Caradoc is ultimately derived from the Brythonic name Caratācos meaning "loved", itself originating from the Celtic karu.
- Cadoc
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"battle"Description:
St Cadoc was an early Welsh churchman, who gave his name to several villages in Wales, and according to his Life knew King Arthur. Less popular than other C__C names like Cormac and Cedric, Cadoc would be an almost unique, but easy-to-pronouce choice.
- Cadell
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"battle"Description:
Cadell is a surname that is unlikely to win many supporters, except perhaps from parents looking for an alternative to Caden. But while Cadell is more distinctive, that L ending is weaker and less appealing than Caden's strong N.
- Ceri
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"to love"Description:
Ceri is traditionally a Welsh masculine name which historically has been Anglicised to "Kerry", but we love the Welsh original. Famous Ceris include British painter Ceri Richards and New Zealand soccer player Ceri Evans. Be aware that Ceri is sometimes used as a female name, both as a standalone name and as a shortening of the Welsh female name Ceridwen.
- Crichton
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"from the hilltop town"Description:
This surname name may offer a pronunciation challenge, to those unfamiliar with Michael Crichton novels, but its fresher than Hunter or Cooper.
- Cadogan
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"honor in battle"Description:
This surname borne by several early Welsh leaders has a lot of energy.
- Carew
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"fort near a slope"Description:
Noted bearers of this surname include a metaphysical poet, a Nobel Prize winner, and a baseball Hall of Famer, so there's plenty of hero-name inspiration.
- Caddock
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"battle"Description:
Anglicized form of Cadoc, a Welsh saint's name.
- Conwenna
Origin:
Cornish, Welsh or BretonDescription:
Made familiar by poet William Blake. According to Blake, after her death, Conwenna "shines ... over the north with pearly beams gorgeous and terrible". Make of that what you will.
- Caron
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"loving, kindhearted, charitable"Description:
A Welsh place name, possibly from the caru root, meaning "love, affection", Caron could work as a way to honor a Karen with a twist. It can also be used as a masculine name, as a variation of the Greek Charon ("fierce brightness") or French Chèron (possibly from Roman Carinu, "beloved, dear").
- Cordi
Description:
Cordi is a feminine name that likely originated as a diminutive form of Cordelia or Cordula. Cordelia has Celtic roots meaning 'daughter of the sea' or Latin origins meaning 'heart,' while Cordula comes from Latin, meaning 'heart' or 'little heart.' This short, sweet name carries warmth and affection in its very meaning and sound. Cordi has remained relatively uncommon as a standalone name, giving it a distinctive quality. Its brevity makes it modern and accessible, while its connection to longer traditional names provides historical depth. The name has a friendly, approachable quality that balances femininity with simplicity. Cordi might appeal to parents seeking a nickname-style given name that combines vintage charm with contemporary brevity, offering a name that feels both familiar and fresh.