K Versions of C Names for Girls

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.

Kloe is a modern, simplified spelling variant of the Greek name Chloe, which means 'blooming' or 'young green shoot'. This contemporary version maintains the same pronunciation as the traditional spelling while offering a more streamlined, distinctive appearance. The K spelling gives the classic name a fresh, modern edge that appeals to parents seeking simplicity and uniqueness. Kloe gained some popularity in the early 2000s alongside the rise of similar K-initial name trends. The name carries the same bright, youthful associations as its traditional counterpart, evoking images of spring, growth, and vitality. While less common than Chloe, Kloe provides a recognizable yet individualistic option for parents drawn to names with both classical roots and contemporary style.

Derived from a place name and a musical word, Karmen is the Slovenian, Croatian, and Estonian form of Carmen, though it might just be used as a contemporary, English spelling a la Kadence and Karter.

Kari and all her many sisters, from Carrie to Carey to Kerry and onward, originated for the most part as short forms of either Catherine Katherine or one of the Charles feminizations such as Carol or Caroline.

Cam and Kam names, led by Camila, are hot right now — time to add Cambria and Kambria to the list of possibilities.

Klarissa is a feminine variant of Clarissa, derived from the Latin word 'clarus' meaning 'bright, clear, or famous.' This spelling with a 'K' gives the classic name a modern twist while maintaining its elegant sound. Klarissa shares the same noble heritage as Clara and Claire, but offers a more elaborate and distinctive option. While less common than the traditional spelling, Klarissa has seen occasional usage in English-speaking countries, particularly since the 1990s. The name conveys a sense of clarity and brightness, suggesting a person with a clear vision and bright personality. Its melodic quality and distinctive spelling make it appeal to parents seeking something familiar yet uncommon.

We'd prefer to stick with the more-familiar Cadence and avoid the overly trendy Kay- prefix.

Karolyn is a feminine name representing a variant spelling of Caroline or Carolyn, all deriving from the masculine name Charles, which means 'free man' or 'manly.' This particular spelling combines the phonetic clarity of 'Carol' with the feminine ending '-lyn,' creating a distinctive but recognizable name. Karolyn gained some popularity in the mid-20th century but remains less common than traditional spellings. The name carries a classic, timeless quality while the 'K' spelling adds a touch of modernity and uniqueness. Karolyn offers the perfect balance between familiarity and distinctiveness, as most people will recognize it but encounter it less frequently than Caroline or Carolyn. The name conveys grace and strength, making it versatile across different ages and personalities.

Klaudia is a variant spelling of Claudia, a feminine name with ancient Roman origins. The name comes from the Latin word "claudus" meaning "lame" or "limping," and was originally a family name within the prominent Roman gens Claudia. The spelling with 'K' instead of 'C' reflects Eastern European orthography, particularly in Polish, Hungarian, and other Slavic languages where this version is quite common. Klaudia maintains the same classical elegance as Claudia while offering a distinctive international flair. The name carries associations with strength and dignity, qualities embodied by notable historical figures like Claudia Octavia, the wife of Emperor Nero. While less common in English-speaking countries, Klaudia represents a meaningful connection to Eastern European heritage for many families.

An English short form of Kamilla, Kameron or similar, or a Japanese unisex name meaning "divine",

Karol is a feminine name in many English-speaking countries, though it functions as a masculine name in Slavic countries, particularly Poland, where it's the equivalent of Charles. Derived from the Germanic name Karl meaning 'free man,' this cross-cultural name offers versatility and international appeal. The feminine use of Karol emerged as a variation of Carol, which itself began as a masculine name before shifting predominantly to feminine usage in the mid-20th century. While never reaching tremendous popularity peaks in the US, Karol has maintained steady recognition. Its streamlined spelling gives it a modern edge compared to the more traditional Carol, while retaining the same pleasant sound.

Lovely Italian island name, Kardashian style.

Kolette is a feminine name that represents a modern spelling variation of Colette, which derives from the French diminutive of Nicole, ultimately stemming from the Greek 'nike' meaning 'victory.' This alternative spelling with 'K' gives the classic name a contemporary twist while maintaining its elegant French character. The name carries associations with the celebrated French novelist Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, known simply as Colette, lending it literary and cultural significance. While the traditional spelling remains more common, Kolette offers parents a way to honor French heritage while providing a slightly more distinctive option. The name has a graceful, feminine quality with its soft sounds and sophisticated European origins.

Karley is a feminine name that emerged as a modern variation of Carly or Karly, which themselves developed as feminine forms of Carl, meaning 'free man' or 'strong man.' This contemporary spelling gained modest popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s, appealing to parents seeking names with a friendly, approachable sound and modern flair. The 'K' spelling gives the name a slightly edgier, more distinctive quality than the 'C' version. Karley combines the traditional roots of its origin with a fresh, youthful energy. The name has a casual, unpretentious quality while remaining versatile enough for professional settings. Its -ley ending connects it to popular naming trends without being overly common, striking a balance between familiarity and individuality.

Klio is a distinctive feminine name derived from Clio, one of the nine Muses in Greek mythology. As the Muse of history, Clio represents the celebration and preservation of great accomplishments through written records. The alternate spelling with 'K' gives the name a more modern edge while maintaining its classical roots. Pronounced KLEE-oh, this short but melodic name carries significant cultural weight despite its brevity. While uncommon in mainstream usage, Klio appeals to parents drawn to mythology and classical references. The name conveys intellectual curiosity, artistic inspiration, and historical significance. Its rarity makes it distinctive, yet its straightforward pronunciation and connection to a well-known mythological figure keep it accessible and meaningful.

Kandace is a contemporary spelling variation of Candace, a name with ancient origins. Historically, Candace (or Kandake) was a title given to queens or queen mothers in the ancient African Kingdom of Kush, located in present-day Sudan. The name means 'queen mother' or 'clear, pure' depending on the etymology followed. This modern spelling with 'K' emerged in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s in the United States, giving the classical name a fresh, distinctive appearance. Kandace combines regal historical connections with contemporary styling, appealing to parents seeking names with both substance and style.

Coraline received a major popularity boost from the Neil Gaiman book and Henry Selick movie by the same name. As with many C names, this influenced the development of a K variant.

Korinne is a feminine name representing a modern variant spelling of Corinne, which derives from the Greek name Korinna, meaning "maiden." This alternative spelling with 'K' emerged as parents sought ways to personalize traditional names while maintaining their essential sound and character. The name carries a graceful, feminine quality while its less common spelling adds a touch of uniqueness. Korinne has never reached widespread popularity but maintains steady usage, particularly in North America. The name balances classic origins with contemporary style, appealing to parents who appreciate traditional names with a slight twist. With its soft sounds and ancient Greek heritage, Korinne conveys both elegance and strength.

This spelling variation of Courtney has been popularized by celebrity Kourtney Kardashian.