K Versions of C Names for Girls
Blame it on the Kardashians — K versions of girl names starting with C are here to stay, at least for the time being. Khloe Kardashian’s given name, the most distinctive of the sisters’, entered the US popularity charts the year before Keeping Up with the Kardashians premiered. Over a decade later, it remains a popular choice.
Along with Khloe, other K versions of C names for girls in the US Top 1000 include Kamila, Kali, Kiara, Kamryn, Kora, Kaydence, Karsyn, and Kassidy. Names that traditionally start with C but are also attractive in the K variation include Kallista, Karla, Katalina, and Kassia. Many K variations of girl names that begin with C offer a classic sound with a contemporary look. You may choose a K version of a C name as a compromise between tradition and modernity. After all, Claire and Klaire have the same sound, but given the two, which one do you think has more edge? If you’re interested in a C name spelled with a K for your daughter, explore our extensive list of options below.
- Kiara
Origin:
Variation of the Italian Chiara or the Irish Ciara or Aboriginal Australian, KoreanMeaning:
"light, clear; little dark one; cockatoo; first ray of sun"Description:
Kiara can be considered a variation of both the Italian name Chiara and the Irish name Ciara. Chiara is the Italian form of Clara, meaning "bright" or "clear," while Ciara is the feminine form of male given name Ciar, derived from the old Irish cíar, meaning "dark."
- Kali
Origin:
Sanskrit, EnglishMeaning:
"black one; free man"Description:
Kali is a number of different things: a playful, contemporary twist on the name Callie; the Hindu goddess of destruction; an alternative spelling for Kaylee; a short form of the Arablic Kalila, the Greek Kalista, or the African American Kaliyah; a masculine name in India; and a trendy form of Kali(fornia).
- Kleo
Origin:
Variation of Cleo, GreekMeaning:
"glory"Description:
Khloe : Chloe :: Kleo : Cleo
- Klara
Origin:
German, Russian, Polish, Scandinavian variation of ClaraMeaning:
"light"Description:
German, Slavic and Scandinavian form of Clara, which is a Top 100 girl name in multiple European countries, including Austria, Croatia, Iceland and Poland. While Clara is fashionable in the US, the Klara spelling retains an Old World air.
- Kassia
Origin:
Spelling variation of Cassia, GreekMeaning:
"cinnamon"Description:
Kassia is the k-styled spelling variation of rising star name Cassia, an obscure but attractive botanical choice drawn from the cassia tree, which produces a cinnamon-like spice. The biblical Keziah is related.
- Kaitlin
Origin:
Spelling variation of CaitlinDescription:
Kaitlin is a variation of Caitlin that's on a steep decline; it dropped out of the Top 1000 in 2013, after more than three decades on the list.
- Kristina
Origin:
Scandinavian variation of ChristinaMeaning:
"annointed, a Christian"Description:
This streamlined form of a pretty and feminine classic may not be as popular as it once was, but it's never out of style. A royal name best used now in its full glory rather than as nicknames Kris or Kristy.
- Kori
Origin:
Spelling variation of Corey, English, African, HebrewMeaning:
"from the hollow; lamb; coral"Description:
This variation of Corey has a Kardashian-style spelling update -- which might be why it's experiencing a boost in popularity of late. Kori is also a Kikuyu name meaning lamb, one of the many names from that African culture with animal meanings, and a short form of Koral, the Hebrew form of Coral.
- Karla
Origin:
German variation of CarlaDescription:
Both Karla and Carla are sliding down the ranks, though Karla remains far more popular in the USA than Carla.
- Kamila
Origin:
Latin, ArabicMeaning:
"young ceremonial attendant; perfect"Description:
Variant spelling of Camila, common in Eastern Europe. Kamila and Kamilah are also feminine forms of the Arabic name Kamil, meaning "perfect".
- Koko
Origin:
Japanese, Native AmericanMeaning:
"stork; night"Description:
A funkier version of Coco that may be more appealing if you have Japanese or Native American heritage. Koko comes from the Blackfoot tribe, native to what is now Montana and Alberta, Canada.
- Kassidy
Origin:
Variation of CassidyDescription:
Like Cassidy, Kassidy peaked near the turn of the millennium and has lost ground in recent years.
- Karolina
Description:
Karolina is a feminine name of Germanic origin, being a variant of Caroline or Carolina, ultimately derived from the masculine name Karl or Charles, meaning 'free man' or 'strong.' This elegant name is particularly popular in Eastern European countries including Poland, Croatia, Slovakia, and Lithuania, as well as in Scandinavian nations. Karolina has a melodic quality with its four syllables and soft ending. The name carries an international appeal while maintaining connections to traditional naming practices. Throughout history, various royal figures have borne related forms of this name. Karolina projects an image of feminine strength combined with grace. The name allows for multiple nickname options including Kara, Lina, or Karo. Its classic roots give it enduring appeal while its specific spelling offers a distinctive touch.
- Kallista
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"most beautiful"Description:
Actress Flockhart popularized the C version, but this works, too.
- Katalina
Origin:
Spanish, Greek, HungarianMeaning:
"pure"Description:
Spelling variant of Catalina, currently on the rise in the US.
- Kamilla
Origin:
Scandinavian; Hungarian; Russian, variation of CamillaDescription:
Kamilla is the usual spelling of Camilla throughout Scandinavia and in Finland, Hungary, Iceland, and Greenland. Kamma is an appealing short form.
- Kamryn
Origin:
Spelling variation of Cameron, ScottishMeaning:
"crooked nose"Description:
As a Top 600 name for girls for more than 20 years, Kamryn has become a widely-accepted version of the original Cameron. It also ranks just below the Top 1000 for boys too, though it is used three times more often on girls.
- Karissa
Origin:
Spelling variation of CarissaDescription:
Both Karissa and Carissa are trending downward, along with the other issa names that first rose to popularity in the 1970s. Karissa fell out of the Top 1000 in 2014, two years after Carissa.
- Kallie
Origin:
Spelling variation of CallieDescription:
Kallie is usually used as a nickname for more unusual names like Calliope, Kalliope, and Calendula. We also think this is a fresher alternative to Kelly.
- Kornelia
Description:
Kornelia is the Polish, German, Hungarian, and Scandinavian form of Cornelia, a feminine name with ancient Roman roots. Derived from the Latin 'cornu' meaning 'horn,' it was the name of a prestigious Roman family, most notably Cornelia Africana, mother of the reformers Gracchi brothers, who was considered the ideal Roman matron. Kornelia carries an air of classical elegance while maintaining a distinct Eastern European character through its spelling with 'K' rather than 'C.' The name has enjoyed consistent popularity particularly in Poland, Hungary and Germanic countries, though it never reached extreme heights of usage. Kornelia projects sophistication and cultural depth, appealing to parents drawn to names with historical significance and international flair. The name offers several nickname possibilities including Nelia, Kora, or Nella.