Space and Celestial Names
- Columba
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"dove"Description:
Columba is an early saint's name that rhumbas to a modern beat. While the original St. Columba is male, the name sounds more appropriate for a girl in the modern world. Leave variations Colm and Callum for the boys.
- Columba
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"dove"Description:
While the original Irish St. Columba was male, the modern Irish variation Colm or Scottish Callum would be more appropriate for a contemporary boy. We can, however, imagine Columba as a rhythmic and contemporary-sounding girl's name.
- Columbia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"land of Columbus"Description:
Columbia is a rarely used name with many associations. From the eighteenth century it has been used as a female personification of the United States, often appearing as a flag-draped patriotic figure. And as such it's inspired a plethora of place and company names, from the District of Columbia to Columbia University to Columbia Records, and songs like "Columbia, Gem of the Ocean." A character called Columbia appears in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
- Cosima
Origin:
Italian feminine variation of Cosmo, GreekMeaning:
"order, beauty, universe"Description:
Cosima, the kind of elegant and unusual name the British upper classes love to use for their daughters, is given to a handful of baby girls in the US after being chosen by two high-profile celebs in the same month; cool couple Sofia Coppola and Thomas Mars as well as supermodel Claudia Schiffer. It was used earlier by celebrity chef Nigella Lawson, while the male form, Cosimo, was given to the son of Marissa Ribisi and Beck.
- Cosimo
Origin:
Italian variation of CosmoMeaning:
"order, beauty, universe"Description:
Dramatic and worldly, Cosimo was chosen by singer Beck and his wife, Marissa Ribisi, for their son. Now that Cosima has emerged as a starbaby favorite, twin brother Cosimo could join her.
- Cosma
Description:
Cosma is a feminine name with ancient roots, derived from the Greek word 'kosmos,' meaning 'order,' 'harmony,' or 'universe.' It is the female form of Cosmo or Cosimo, names that have historical significance particularly in Italian culture. Cosma carries celestial connotations, evoking images of the cosmos and heavenly bodies. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, the name has seen more use in European countries with Greek or Latin influences. Cosma offers a blend of classical elegance and cosmic significance, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with depth and historical resonance. Its brevity and melodic quality give it a modern feel despite its ancient origins.
- Cosme
Description:
Cosme is a masculine name derived from the Greek name Kosmas, meaning 'order' or 'harmony.' It shares roots with the word 'cosmos,' reflecting the ordered universe. Popular in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, Cosme has been carried by various saints, including Saints Cosmas and Damian, twin brother physicians and martyrs from the 3rd century. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it maintains consistent usage in Latin cultures, particularly in Mexico and Brazil. The name has a sophisticated, international quality with its simple two-syllable structure. Pronunciation varies slightly between cultures, but it's typically KOZ-may or KOS-meh. Its connection to cosmic harmony gives it philosophical depth despite its brevity.
- Cosmo
Origin:
Italian, English, GreekMeaning:
"order, beauty, universe"Description:
With a touch of celestial power, a hint of clunky charm, and the totally cool -o ending, Cosmo may well be finally shaking itself free of both the Seinfeld association (which made it a punchline of a joke) and the cartoon fairy association from The Fairly OddParents. In fact, it is in the Top 1000 in the UK and a favorite on Nameberry.
- Cressida
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"gold"Description:
Cressida is a pretty mythological and Shakespearean heroine name much better known in Britain than it is here — an imbalance the adventurous baby namer might want to correct.
- Cross
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
If Cruz and Croix are too subtle, Cross cuts right to the chase. It feels decidedly more Christian and punitive, for better or worse.
- Cross
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"cross"Description:
Evocative word name that's refreshingly straightforward. Overtones of Christianity and penalty. More subtle option: Cruz.
- Cru
Origin:
Spelling variation of Crew or short form of Cruz or CrusoeDescription:
The short, clipped Cru is one of those modern names that's starting to find favor -- it was given to about 100 boys last year, while Crew has vaulted onto the Top 1000. One inspiration is undoubtedly the Spanish name Cruz, which came to wider attention via the third son of Victoria and David Beckham. Cru has a handsome sound and a modern feel.
- Cyra
Origin:
Persian or GreekMeaning:
"sun or throne, or lord"Description:
Cyra is an unusual name that can be pronounced either SEER-a or SI-ra, rhyming with Keira or Tyra. This name may be a feminine variation of Cyrus but is also a Persian name that stands on its own. One noted bearer is writer Cyra McFadden.
- Cosmas
- Cosmos
- Danica
Origin:
SlavicMeaning:
"morning star"Description:
While Danica may sound similar to Dana, Danielle, and Daniela, Danica is not a variation. Danica, a delicate and unique Slavic name meaning "Morning Star," is synonymous with Venus in many countries.
- Danika
Origin:
Eastern EuropeanMeaning:
"morning star"Description:
Spelling variation of Danica with a modern update.
- Danique
Origin:
French variation of DanicaMeaning:
"morning star"Description:
This Danielle/Monique hybrid offers a new twist on an old favorite.
- Dara
Origin:
Irish, Persian, Punjabi, KhmerMeaning:
"oak tree; wealthy; leader; star"Description:
Though Dara in the U.S. would be considered mainly a girls' name – the most recent count is 10 times as many girls given the name last year than boys – it's a boys' name in Ireland, where it's in the Top 100 along with variations Daire and Darragh.
- Dara
Origin:
Hebrew, Slavic or IrishMeaning:
"pearl of wisdom; gift; or oak tree"Description:
Though Dara was an (extremely wise) male figure in the Bible, this name feels mostly feminine to modern Americans. The Irish Gaelic version, Darragh, is well-used in contemporary times for boys.