Girls Names Beginning With C
- Christiane
Origin:
German and French feminine form of ChristianDescription:
There are not one but two notable modern women with this name: journalist Christiane Amanpour and physician/author Christiane Northrup. In Germany, the pronunciation is kris-tee-AH-na while in France, it's kris-tee-AHN — and in the U.S., there's sure to be confusion. While Christiane is not stylish, it's a strong, attractive, unusual-though-familiar name.
- Cass
Origin:
English diminutive of Cassandra or Cassia, GreekMeaning:
"shining or excelling man; cinnamon"Description:
Ties to the unfortunate Mama are now unraveling, leaving Cass or Cassie to stand on its own as a fresher sounding Cathy or Kate. With gender-neutral names abound and the growing trend of boyish nicknames for girls, Cass may be on the up and up.
- Cassiana
Origin:
Latin, female variation of CassiusMeaning:
"hollow"Description:
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.
- Citron
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"lemon"Description:
A Gallic twist on a word or nature name, which has a nice lemony feel.
- Chimene
Description:
Chimene is a feminine name of Spanish and French origin, derived from the Spanish name Jimena. It gained literary recognition through 'El Cid,' the medieval Spanish epic where Jimena/Chimene was the wife of the hero Rodrigo Díaz. The name may have Basque roots, possibly relating to 'semen' meaning 'son' or descendant. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, Chimene has occasional usage in France and Spain. Pronounced 'shee-MEN' or 'chee-MAIN,' the name carries an elegant, literary quality with historical associations to nobility and faithfulness. Its rarity makes it distinctive while its historical connections provide cultural depth.
- Clarette
Description:
Clarette is a delicate feminine name derived from the Latin word "clarus," meaning "clear," "bright," or "famous." It can be considered a diminutive form of Clare or Clara, with the French-inspired "-ette" suffix adding a touch of elegance and refinement. Though uncommon in most English-speaking countries, Clarette carries a vintage charm that evokes images of sophistication and grace. The name also bears resemblance to claret, the deep red wine, potentially adding associations with richness and depth. Clarette might appeal to parents seeking a name with classic roots but a distinctive, somewhat rarified quality that sets their daughter apart.
- Célina
Description:
Célina is a feminine name with French linguistic roots, representing a variant spelling of Celina or Selina. The name likely derives from the Greek 'Selene,' goddess of the moon, giving it celestial associations. The acute accent over the 'é' emphasizes the French pronunciation (say-LEE-na) and adds a touch of elegance. While popular in French-speaking regions including France, Quebec, and parts of Switzerland, Célina maintains a moderate presence internationally. The name carries a delicate, refined quality characteristic of French nomenclature. Similar forms appear across multiple languages, including the Italian Celina and Spanish Selina, though the accented version distinctly signals its French heritage. Parents are often drawn to Célina for its graceful sound, cultural sophistication, and subtle connection to lunar symbolism.
- Ciela
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"sky, heavenly"Description:
The Spanish word for sky, Cielo, was one of the fastest-rising girl names of 2022, cracking the Top 1000 after Luisana Lopilato and Michael Bublé used the name for their daughter. The variation Ciela was used in much smaller numbers, but has plenty of potential to continue to rise.
- Clemencia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"mild, merciful"Description:
This ancient feminine form is the kind of name your child will grow into...at least by her fiftieth birthday.
- Coletta
Origin:
Italian and Spanish variation of Colette or short form of NicolettaDescription:
Coletta is a Latin relative of the better-known French Colette, which is derived from Nicole and is ultimately a feminization of Nicholas. Only a handful of baby girls are named Coletta or Nicoletta in the US each year, making this one of the rarest of the many forms of the name.
- Chrysanthe
Origin:
Feminine form of Chrysanthos,GreekMeaning:
"golden flower"Description:
A unique option for a November baby (the November birth flower is a chrysanthemum) or to honor an ancestral Chris, Chrysanthe feels more wearable than the full Chrysanthemum, despite the storybook mouse.
- Clémence
Description:
Clémence is a feminine French name derived from the Latin 'clementia' meaning 'mercy', 'mildness', or 'gentleness'. This elegant name carries connotations of compassion, forgiveness, and kind-heartedness. Popular in France and French-speaking regions, Clémence offers a sophisticated alternative to the English variant Clemency. The name has historical significance through several medieval noble figures, including Clémence of Hungary, Queen consort of France in the 12th century. The accent mark gives the name its distinctive French pronunciation (kleh-MAHNS), adding a touch of continental refinement. While never reaching widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, Clémence appeals to parents seeking a name with French cultural connections and positive virtuous associations. Its gentle sound balances beautifully with its strong meaning.
- Colombe
Description:
Colombe is a delicate French feminine name meaning 'dove,' symbolizing peace, purity, and gentleness. Derived from the Latin 'columba,' this name has been used in France since medieval times, often associated with Christian symbolism as the dove represents the Holy Spirit. Saint Columba was a notable 6th-century Irish missionary. The name gained particular significance in France after World War II when the dove became an important peace symbol. Though never extremely common, Colombe carries an elegant, refined quality that appeals to those with French heritage or an appreciation for French culture. The name remains a timeless choice that balances traditional roots with a distinctive, melodic sound that's recognizable yet rarely encountered.
- Constantia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"constant, steadfast"Description:
A rare and refined name, which could make for a surprising route to cute nickname Connie.
- Cherrie
Description:
Cherrie is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Cherry, which began as a nickname derived from the French 'chérie,' meaning 'beloved' or 'darling.' As a given name, it gained modest popularity during the mid-20th century, often inspired by the sweet fruit name. This particular spelling with 'ie' instead of 'y' gives the name a slightly more elaborate, feminine appearance. Cherrie has a cheerful, vintage quality that evokes warmth and sweetness. While never among the most common names, it enjoyed brief periods of usage particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. The name carries associations with brightness, happiness, and the vibrant red color of cherries, giving it a playful, positive character.
- Chablis
Origin:
French place- and wine nameDescription:
Chardonnay's twin sister.
- Caldera
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"cauldron; volcanic crater"Description:
A unique Spanish nature name rarely heard. Caldera can be used for both boys and girls.
- Conifer
Origin:
Tree name from LatinMeaning:
"cone-bearing"
- Celesta
Origin:
English from LatinMeaning:
"heavenly"Description:
The shimmery Celeste has been solidly in the Top 1000 for as long as data has been recorded. The dainty variation Celesta certainly feels useable as well. Other intriguing variations include Celestia and Celestine.
- Cossette
Description:
Cossette is a feminine name with French origins, representing a variation of Cosette, which gained literary fame through Victor Hugo's novel 'Les Misérables.' The name derives from the French word 'chosette,' meaning 'little thing,' reflecting its origins as an affectionate diminutive. The doubled 's' spelling variant adds a distinctive touch while maintaining the name's delicate, feminine qualities. Despite its literary connections, Cossette remains relatively uncommon, appealing to parents drawn to French-inspired names with cultural depth. The name evokes a romantic, vintage charm with associations of resilience and quiet strength through its literary character. Pronunciation typically follows the French pattern with emphasis on the second syllable (co-SET), though English speakers often emphasize the first syllable.
