Updated October 2026
Across 24 pages
of 24
Word name, English from Hindi
"fine, downy wool"
Cashmere is soft, luxurious — and way out of the ordinary. One of the unique names found in The Hunger Games series, you might be surprised to learn that this fabric name has been appearing in the US…
Latin
"relating to springtime"
Cerelia is a melodic and unusual choice, perfect for a child born in April or May. Another version is Cerella.
Variation of Cheryl, English compound name blending Cheryl and Lyn
"dear lake; dear + pretty"
Sweet and retro, Cherilyn peaked in 1972, when Cher (born Cherilyn Sarkisian) rose to fame. Possibly not quite ready for a comeback, though perhaps fun nickname Cherry might swing it.
Greek
"gold flower"
One of the rarest of the flower names, that of the blossom celebrated in Japan as a symbol of the sun and a possible object of meditation. One of the rare flower names counted among names for autumn…
Word name
"ashes, partly burnt coals"
More distinctive than Ella, if you're inspired by Cinderella, a rarer alternative to popular Ember, perhaps, or even a modern spin on Cindy. Cinder is the name given to partially burnt wood or coals…
Italian, French
"little thing"
Italianate variation of Cosette, from Victor Hugo's Les Misérables .
Irish, anglicization of O'conarain
"descendant of Conaran"
Associated with iconic British designer and retailer Terence Conran, who had an international impact on household design. Makes a nice variation on Conrad.
Short form of Christiana
"Christ's follower"
Christia is a rare Chris name that doesn't add much to the mix. We'd prefer lengthening Christia to Christiana or shortening it to Christa.
Variation of Claribel, English combination of Clara + -bel, Latin
"bright + beautiful"
This spelling keeps the appealing meaning of Clara and Belle smooshed together, but without the Disney Cow association some people may have with Clarabelle. Nevertheless, this is the lesser used of…
French
"lemon"
A Gallic twist on a word or nature name, which has a nice lemony feel.
Diminutive of Caroline, French
"free man"
Trapped somewhere in the nether region between Haddie and Catie, with the added confusion of sounding like someone who works on a golf course. Caddie Woodlawn was a TV heroine of the Old West in the…
English word name
The lead character of the Captain America movies, played by Chris Evans, is occasionally called Cap, short for "captain," but even he has a real name. (Steve Rogers, ICYC)
"from the Island of Cyprus"
Offbeat and romantic place-name.
Literary invention
Capitola owes its position on the US Top 1000 to the 1859 novel The Hidden Hand , also known as Capitola the Madcap . It was written by E. D. E. N. Southworth — the initials stand for Eliza Dorothy…
Word name, English from Greek
"cinnamon"
A sweet and rare spice name, which made its first and only appearance on the US baby name charts in 1969 — the year Neil Young's song "Cinnamon Girl" was released.
Diminutive of Clementine, French
"mild, merciful"
Clemma is a one-hit wonder, appearing on the US popularity list only once, back in the 19th century. This is one case where the diminutive is not cuter than the proper name.
"deep red mineral"
Associated with a vivid red-orange-colored lacquer, would make a more than distinctive color-related choice.
English or Swedish diminutive of Cynthia, Greek, or Cecilia, Latin
"moon goddess, woman from Kynthos; blind"
What's Cia short for? Cynthia or most any other C -name. Stylish in its sleek Mia-Nia minimalist feel, but may remind some of the Central Intelligence Agency.
Christmas is a day name long and quietly used as a name for babies born at Christmas . Prettier and more modern than Noel or Noelle.
This Puritan virtue name is unstylish, but sympathetic and appealing, in these largely uncomfortable times.