Like the French author with whom the name is most closely associated, Colette is a chic and charming name, sharp, stylish, and feminine but without the frills of Nicolette. After disappearing from the charts for 30 years, Colette rejoined the US Top 1000 back in 2012 and is still on the rise.

The name of the tragic mythological Trojan princess who was given the gift of prophecy by Apollo, but was condemned never to be believed, Cassandra has been used for striking characters in movies and soap operas. Ethereal and delicate, Cassandra was in the Top 70 throughout the 1990s but is now descending in popularity.

Though not much in use, still retains a cozy Little House on the Prairie-type pioneer feel.

Christina, a pretty and feminine, crystal clear classic, may be trending downward, but it's never out of style and its extra syllable does keep it fresher feeling than Christine. Christina's short forms Chris, Christie, and Tina might seem date to some — but used in its full form, it possesses the strength and elegance of Diana, Josephine, and Ophelia.

Cindy as a name in its own right made it into the Top 20 in 1957 and remained a Top 200 girls' name until the end of the 20th century. Although it's fallen precipitously since then and left the Top 1000 completely in 2015, Cindy remains a name commonly heard in the US. Today, though, it would more likely be attached to moms or grandmas than to babies.

Carina is a pretty delicately feminine name whose fall from popularity is not helped by its similarity to hurricane name Katrina or slang victim Karen.

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.

Coraline may not be original to Neil Gaiman's wonderful book of the same name, but it might as well be. Gaiman's young heroine Coraline Jones is constantly called Caroline but as a name Coraline is more distinctive and has a more mysterious feel. The 2002 novel Coraline was made into a 2009 animated film voiced by Dakota Fanning and nominated for an Academy Award.

Cerelia is a melodic and unusual choice, perfect for a child born in April or May. Another version is Cerella.

Carlotta has a large measure of finger-snapping charm and substance — despite being a not too pleasant character in The Little Mermaid. Carlotta is also the diva/prima donna in The Phantom of the Opera, and there was an Empress Carlotta of Mexico.

An attractive and unusual name that may be a variation of Cleo, Clea was possibly invented by Lawrence Durrell for a character in his Alexandria Quartet.

Cute but slight mix of stylish sounds Cam and Bree, chosen by Rick Schroder for his daughter.

Strongly feminine variation of Colby with two prime associations: singer Colbie Caillat and actress Colbie Smulders (born Jacoba).

Lovely, international, tea-scented possibility undiscovered by baby names.

Midcentury Irish-American favorite, never used in Ireland itself, being the generic word for "girl"; rarely given today.

The rarely heard feminine version of the saint's name Cassian, this name is elegant and somewhat frilly, but holds the possibility of more straightforward nicknames like Cass, Cassie or Ana. With the rise of the whole group of names for both genders starting with the Cass sound, Cassiana has the potential to become one of the more visible girl names starting with C.

Crimson could be a possible competitor for Scarlett's success, though it's lacking that Johansson charm.

Cyane is a mythological Sicilian nymph who lived in a pool and whose name is an intriguing twist on the color name trend.

Carine is a feminine name with French origins, functioning as a variation of Karina or as a feminine form of Carus, a Latin name meaning "dear" or "beloved." In French-speaking regions, particularly Belgium and France, Carine has enjoyed moderate popularity. The name possesses an elegant, sophisticated quality while remaining approachable and easy to pronounce across multiple languages. Carine saw modest usage in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s but remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality. Its international appeal extends to various European countries and French-influenced regions. With its soft sound pattern and meaningful etymology suggesting someone cherished or valued, Carine offers a graceful yet straightforward naming option with continental flair.

Cadia is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Arcadia, referring to the idyllic region in ancient Greece, suggesting pastoral paradise and harmony. Alternatively, it could derive from the Arabic 'Khadija,' meaning 'early baby' or 'premature child.' Cadia has a melodic quality with its flowing vowels and soft consonants. Though rare in most English-speaking countries, the name has seen occasional use across different cultures. Its relative obscurity combined with familiar phonetics makes it accessible yet distinctive. The name carries a gentle, ethereal quality that appeals to parents seeking something uncommon but easily pronounced and spelled.