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:
English variation of Chiara, Italian, Ciara, Irish, 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; beauty"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).
- 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.
- Kleo
Origin:
Variation of Cleo, GreekMeaning:
"glory"Description:
Khloe : Chloe :: Kleo : Cleo
- 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.
- 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.
- 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".
- Kamryn
Origin:
English 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.
- 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.
- Khloe
Origin:
Variation of ChloeMeaning:
"young green shoot"Description:
Khloe's a variation of the popular Chloe, thanks to reality star Karshadian of the K-named family. Khloe jumped a whopping 101 places into 2009's Top 100 and peaked at 42 in 2010 but has declined in popularity 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.
- Karsyn
Origin:
Variation of Carson, English and Scottish surnameMeaning:
"son of the marsh-dwellers"Description:
Y is often used to feminize a variant spelling of a name, though of course there's nothing intrinsically gendered about it. The Karsyn spelling is slightly off its peak for girls, but rising for boys.
- Kassandra
Origin:
Original spelling of CassandraDescription:
Kassandra is actually the original form of Cassandra (Greek names do not have Cs), though most will see it as a Kardashianization, which is a shame! As you might expect, the C currently charts higher. Still, Kassandra can lead to all sorts of cute nicknames, such as Kassie, Kass, and Sandy.
- Kadence
Origin:
Variation of Cadence, word nameMeaning:
"rhythm, beat"Description:
K-beginnings are often substituted for Cs, and this spelling is definitely finding favor with many parents, among them skateboarding legend Tony Hawk. However, sometimes the original is the best - we suggest sticking to the still unusual Cadence.
- Karoline
Origin:
German and Scandinavian variation of Caroline, FrenchMeaning:
"free man"Description:
Karoline is the form of the classic Caroline commonly used in Germany and throughout Scandinavia, where it is popular. It's an acceptable if not traditional spelling variation, given to nearly 100 baby girls in the US last year, versus almost 3000 named Caroline.
- Kacey
Description:
Variation of Casey or combination of initials K. and C. From the time when initial names seemed really neat. K. C.
- Krystal
Origin:
Variation of Crystal, English word nameMeaning:
"crystal, clear, ice"Description:
This spelling variation of Crystal rose all the way up to #53 in the US in 1985.
- Karter
Origin:
Spelling variation of CarterMeaning:
"transporter of goods by cart"Description:
The K-spelling of Carter has been in the boys' Top 1000 since 2005. In 2014, Karter cracked the girls' Top 1000, too. Karter joins the plethora of surnames turned boys' names that are now entering the world of girls' names as well. This particular one also has the trendy Kardashian-Esque "K" beginning. The Carter spelling entered the Top 1000 for girls around the same time but currently sits higher up in the charts, hovering just around the Top 500.
- Kristine
Origin:
Scandinavian variation of ChristineDescription:
Christine was one of the first megapopular C-to-K baby names, from Scandinavian variations such as Kristine and Kirsten to Kris, Kristy, and Kristy. While Kristine retains its krisply lovely sound, it's lost much of its kool.
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