alyshadragonfriend's list "Girls Names Beginning With C" of 20 great name ideas: Christel - Colombia!

Girls Names Beginning With C

A very long list of girls names beginning with the letter C. I hope it comes in handy.

Christel is a feminine name with Germanic origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Christina or Christine. Popular throughout Germany, Scandinavia, and the Netherlands, it represents a variation of the name derived from 'Christ.' The name conveys the meaning 'follower of Christ' or 'little Christian one' with its diminutive suffix. Christel experienced modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century but has remained relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. It offers a distinctive European alternative to the more familiar Christine or Christina while maintaining the same religious connection. The name has a delicate, melodious quality that combines traditional religious significance with a touch of continental European sophistication.

Christel

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.

Christiane

Chrysalis is a girls' baby name derived from the state of a butterfly or moth between larva and adult. A chrysalis is a hard-shelled pupa in which the transition of the butterfly or moth takes place. As a baby name, Chrysalis came to the fore as the rumored name of the baby girl of Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott, who reportedly love butterflies. Chrysalis does certainly have potential as a new word name or nature name for babies, with the simple familiar nickname Chrys.

Chrysalis

One familiar name never used for real people, for obvious reasons. Read more about Cinderella and other <a href="https://nameberry.com/blog/disney-princess-names">Disney Princess Names</a> in our featured blog.

Cinderella

Citrine is a type of quartz named after its citrus-colored hues. if Amethyst, Jasper, and Onyx (all other types of quartz) can be used, why not Citrine, which has a lovely French-sounding suffix. Citrine is one of the many rare and attractive <a href="https://nameberry.com/search/girls-names/c">girl names starting with C</a>.

Citrine

A Gallic twist on a word or nature name, which has a nice lemony feel.


Citron

Clairette is a feminine name of French origin, functioning as a diminutive of Claire (meaning 'clear' or 'bright' from Latin 'clarus'). The suffix '-ette' adds a touch of delicacy and charm, typical of French feminine diminutives. Beyond its use as a personal name, Clairette is also known as a variety of white wine grape grown primarily in southern France. The name evokes qualities of clarity, brightness, and refinement with its French styling. While never achieving widespread popularity outside of French-speaking regions, Clairette carries an elegant, sophisticated air that appeals to those drawn to names with French flair. The name suggests a personality that is illuminating, pure, and graceful, with the diminutive form adding a note of endearing sweetness.

Clairette

An elaborate diminutive of Clara with a slightly retro feel, Claretta was at its peak in the 1940s though it's never been particularly popular. Nevertheless, it may make an unexpected route to nicknames Etta, Clary, Kit, or Clara. 

Claretta

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.

Clarette

Yes, we tend to think of Claude as a male name and Claudia and Claudette as the female, but this ancient clan name is used in France for girls as well as boys, and could make a distinctively chic <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/79/boy-names-for-girls">boy name for girls</a> here too. You may be surprised to know that Claude was in fairly regular use for American girls in the 1880's and nineties, reaching as high as 553 in 1880.

 In her native country, there have been some famous female Claudes, including Queen Claude of France (1499 to 1524), daughter of Louis XII, and another sixteenth century Claude de France, daughter of Henri II.

 Later Claudes include the daughter of Claude Debussy, Claude-Emma (called Chouchou), the leading female character in Tracy Chevalier's novel Lady and the Unicorn, French actress Claude Jade and photographer Claude Cahun, and the widow of French Prime Minister Georges Pompidou.

 While the "lame" meaning is the most widely acknowledged, some etymologists theorize that the name may relate to the word for enclosure or clause, an alternate meaning that may appeal to a child with a form of this otherwise-appealing name.

Claude

Claudetta is a feminine diminutive of the Roman name Claudia, which itself comes from the Latin 'claudus' meaning 'lame' or 'limping.' The -etta suffix adds a delicate, feminine quality to the original name, creating a softer and more elaborate variation. While Claudia has maintained steady popularity throughout Western countries for centuries, Claudetta remains relatively uncommon, giving it a vintage charm with a touch of romance language elegance. The name evokes images of mid-20th century glamour, similar to names like Loretta or Rosetta. Despite its classical Roman roots, Claudetta feels somewhat playful and ornate compared to the more streamlined Claudia. The name might appeal to parents seeking a traditional name with a distinctive flair.

Claudetta

Claudie

There are much chicer versions of this name today, such as Claudie, Claudia, or Claude itself. Claudine is a name wobbling on the edge of extinction.

Claudine

This ancient feminine form is the kind of name your child will grow into...at least by her fiftieth birthday. 

Clemencia

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.

Clémence

Do everyone a favor and spell it Coco, an up-and-coming choice.

Cocoa

The French and Spanish word for "hummingbird" is lithe and charming as a girl name.

Colibrí

This spelling used in Italy and Spain shares the peaceful meaning of dove with the more familiar Columba.  It's a Top 35 name in Chile.

Colomba

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.

Colombe

Colombia is a South American country name, with a rhythmic sound and peaceful connotations.  The Irish Colm, Scottish Callum, and Columba are all attractive relatives of Colombia (or Columbia, if you're thinking of the college).