Girls Names Beginning With C
- Constantia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"constant, steadfast"Description:
A rare and refined name, which could make for a surprising route to cute nickname Connie.
- Constantina
Origin:
Latin, female variation of ConstantinusMeaning:
"constant, unchanging"Description:
Constantina is a pretty, feminissima, if lengthy, variation on the Constance theme. The fourth century Constantina, also known as Constantia and Constantiana, was the eldest daughter of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great and his second wife Fausta, daughter of Emperor Maximian. Constantina received the title of Augusta by her father, and is venerated as a saint; in English she is also known as Saint Constance.
- Constantine
Description:
Constantine as a feminine name represents an unusual gender crossover from the traditionally masculine Constantine, derived from Latin 'constantem' meaning 'steadfast' or 'constant.' While primarily recognized as a male name with significant historical connections to Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, its use for girls is exceptionally rare. This feminine application might appeal to parents seeking truly distinctive options or those drawn to its powerful meaning and imperial associations. The name maintains its air of strength, persistence and classical heritage regardless of gender. For girls, it offers a bold statement with potential nicknames like Connie, Tina, or Tina providing softer alternatives to its formal grandeur.
- Constanza
Origin:
Italian, feminine form of ConstantineMeaning:
"constant, unchanging"Description:
This version adds some Italian flair to the somewhat stolid Constance.
- Cora
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"maiden"Description:
Cora is a lovely, old-fashioned girls' that has been recently rejuvenated by its contemporary-feeling simplicity. In fact, Cora seemed headed straight for the top of the popularity list when the coronavirus pandemic somewhat weakened its appeal.
- Coral
Origin:
Nature nameMeaning:
"a rock like substance formed by sea creatures; pinkish-red; gemstone"Description:
A color name, a gemstone name, and an ocean-inspired choice, Coral has a lot going for it with its sharp C sounds yet sweet vintage feel. Unlike Scarlett or Violet, however, it is only quietly used in the US these days, perhaps because of its similarity to more 'dated' Carol.
- Coralia
Origin:
Variation of CoralieMeaning:
"coral"Description:
Coralia was the name of a dancing mermaid in a 19th century ballet. As Cora -- which has another root and means maiden -- rises, so may elaborations and related names such as Coralie, Coraline, and Coralia.
- Coralie
Origin:
French from LatinMeaning:
"coral"Description:
Coralie is a French name not often heard here, though she's gaining some recognition via Neil Gaiman's similar sounding spooky and lovely children's book, Coraline. Other literary appearances: Coralie is the stage name of an actress in Balzac's Lost Illusions, and a French girl in an 1850 Thackeray novel.Coralie is currently very popular in French-speaking Quebec, and there is a contemporary French singer named Coralie Clement.
- Cordelia
Origin:
Latin; CelticMeaning:
"heart; daughter of the sea"Description:
Cordelia is exactly the kind of old-fashioned, grown-up name for girls that many parents are seeking for their daughters today. The name of King Lear's one sympathetic daughter, Cordelia has both style and substance along with its Shakespearean pedigree.
- Coree
Description:
Coree is a unisex name that appears more frequently for girls, representing a modern variant spelling of Cory or Corey. These names originally derived from the Gaelic "coire" meaning "hollow" or the Norse "kori" meaning "seething pool," though the connection to Irish surname Ó Comhraidhe (descendant of Comhghall) is also recognized. The double 'e' ending adds a contemporary twist to the traditional spelling. Coree emerged in popularity during the late 20th century alongside other creative spelling variations. While never reaching mainstream popularity, it offers parents an alternative to the more common Cory/Corey forms while maintaining the same pronunciation. The name carries a modern, somewhat androgynous appeal, though in recent decades has been increasingly used for girls.
- Corey
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"from the hollow"Description:
Cool a few decades ago, along with Lori and Tori. Currently out of fashion but may make a retro tomboy choice as an offbeat spin on Charlie.
- Cori
Description:
Cori is a versatile name used for both girls and boys, though more commonly feminine. It emerged as a shortened form of names like Corinne, Corinna, or Cora for girls, and Cornelius or Corwin for boys. These roots trace back to Greek origins, with meanings relating to 'maiden' or possibly 'heart.' Cori gained modest popularity during the 1970s and 1980s, reflecting the trend toward shorter, gender-flexible names. The spelling variation Kori is also common. The name's brevity and friendly sound make it approachable while maintaining a hint of spunk and individuality. In recent decades, Cori has been overshadowed by other short names but maintains steady usage. It appeals to parents seeking a simple yet distinctive name with a friendly, unpretentious quality.
- Corinna
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"maiden"Description:
Delicate and gentle old-fashioned name, the kind found in early English poetry. While Corinna and the original Green Korinna are technically diminutives of the ancient Kore, now the popular Cora, this name will often be mistaken for other similar-sounding though unrelated names, such as Karenna. But it's pretty and is backed by more tradition than you'd guess.
- Corinne
Origin:
French variation of Greek KorinnaMeaning:
"maiden"Description:
Corinne is one of the names that, it might surprise you to learn, ranked among the US Top 1000 girl names until 2020, when it fell off the charts after 140 years. Its most popular year was 1926, when it ranked Number 249. Corinna is another pretty ancient form of the name, technically a diminutive.
- Corinthia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"woman of Corinth"Description:
A beautiful Greek name that kicks now-dated Corinne up a notch.
- Corisande
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"chorus-singer"Description:
Corisande is a very unusual, haunting choice, with the aura of medieval romance--it is found in early Spanish romantic tales, arriving in the English-speaking world in the nineteenth century.
- Cornelia
Origin:
Feminine variation of Cornelius, LatinMeaning:
"horn"Description:
In ancient Rome, Cornelia was considered the paragon of womanly virtue, making it a handsome name with an excellent pedigree. It's rare today, so if you want a name no one else is using, somewhat reminiscent of Amelia and the Shakespearean Cordelia, Cornelia should be on your list. Cornelia's short forms might include Cora, Nelia or Nell--anything but Corny.
- Cornelie
Description:
Cornelie is a feminine name of Latin origin, representing the French and German feminine form of Cornelius. The name derives from the Roman clan name Cornelius, possibly relating to the Latin word "cornu" meaning "horn." Cornelie carries aristocratic associations in European history, particularly in French and German noble families from the medieval period through the 19th century. While relatively uncommon today, it maintains an elegant, classical quality that connects to European cultural heritage. The name has a refined sound with its soft ending, distinguishing it from the more commonly known Cornelia. Cornelie offers parents a sophisticated choice with historical depth while remaining recognizable despite its rarity.
- Coronis
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"crow"Description:
In Greek mythology, Coronis is the name of several minor characters. The name is off-limits for the foreseeable future, due to its similarity to "corona."
- Cortney
Description:
Cortney is a feminine name that originated as a variant spelling of Courtney, which began as an English surname derived from the French place name "Courtenay," meaning "domain of Curtenus" (a Gallo-Roman personal name). During the 1970s and 1980s, Cortney gained popularity as parents sought alternative spellings for traditional names. It peaked in popularity in the United States during the early 1990s alongside other similar variations. The name evokes qualities of sophistication and refinement, perhaps due to its aristocratic origins and connection to the word "court." While less common than the standard spelling, Cortney maintains the same pleasant sound while offering a slightly distinctive written appearance.