Puerto Rican Girl names beginning with C
- Catherine
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"pure"Description:
Catherine is one of the oldest and most consistently well-used girls’ names, with endless variations and nicknames. The Catherine form feels more gently old-fashioned and feminine than the more popular K versions. Most stylish nickname for Catherine right now: Kate...or Cate, a la Blanchett.
- Cattaleya
Description:
Cattaleya is a feminine name inspired by the cattleya orchid, an exotic flower named after William Cattley, the English botanist who first cultivated it. The name gained significant attention following the 2011 film 'Colombiana,' where the protagonist was named Cataleya. The double 't' spelling variation adds a distinctive touch to the name while maintaining its floral association. Cattaleya embodies elegance, beauty, and rarity—qualities associated with the orchid itself. The name has a melodic, flowing quality with its soft consonants and open vowel sounds. While still relatively uncommon, Cattaleya has been increasing in popularity among parents seeking nature-inspired names with an exotic flair. The name offers versatility with potential nicknames like Cat, Catta, or Leya.
- Cattleya
Description:
Cattleya is a delicate feminine name derived from the genus of orchids known for their showy, colorful blooms. The flower was named by botanist John Lindley in 1824 to honor William Cattley, an English horticulturist who successfully cultivated the species. As a given name, Cattleya emerged as part of the botanical naming trend, appealing to parents seeking something unique yet naturally beautiful. The name conveys elegance, rarity, and natural beauty. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it has gained some popularity in Brazil and among families appreciating its exotic floral association. The nickname 'Cat' or 'Leya' offers more casual alternatives.
- Cecilia
Origin:
Feminine form of Cecil, LatinMeaning:
"blind"Description:
Cecilia is a lovely classic name deservedly enjoying a new turn in the sun. Always among the Top 500 girls' names in the US, Cecilia is now at its highest point ever.
- Celeste
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"heavenly"Description:
Celeste is a softly pretty and somewhat quaint name with heavenly overtones, which kids might associate with Queen Celeste of Babar's elephant kingdom. She's a light and lovely choice that's finally getting noticed.
- Chanel
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"dweller near the canal"Description:
Fans of the classic French designer would now more fashionably choose Coco.
- Chantal
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"stone, boulder"Description:
Though associated with a French saint noted for her holiness and strength of character, this name is somewhat dated and it might be better to look to one of the more modern names popular for little girls in France today: Oceane, Lea, Manon.
- Charleen
Description:
Charleen is a feminine name that emerged as a variant of Charlotte, sharing the same French and Germanic roots meaning 'free man' or 'strong.' This variation gained modest popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1940s and 1950s in America. The name blends traditional elements with a contemporary sound, featuring the distinctive '-een' ending that was fashionable during that era. Charleen offers a softer, more relaxed alternative to the more formal Charlotte while maintaining its connection to strength and independence. Though less common today than in previous generations, Charleen maintains appeal for those seeking a name with vintage charm and historical depth without being overused. Its gentle yet substantive quality gives it enduring character.
- Charlene
Origin:
Variation of Charlotte, feminine form of CharlesMeaning:
"free man"Description:
Charlene is a Charlotte variation that, along with similar names like Arlene and Marlene, spiked in popularity in the 1940s and fifties, reaching a high of Number 100 in 1949. Most parents today would prefer one of the note classic versions -- or even nickname Charlie.
- Charlotte
Origin:
French, feminine diminutive of CharlesMeaning:
"free man"Description:
Charlotte, the name of the young Princess of Cambridge, is the latest classic name to join Sophia, Emma, Olivia, and Isabella at the top of the popularity list. It is now among the most popular girl names in many English-speaking and European countries.
- Charlyn
Description:
Charlyn is a feminine name that combines elements of 'Charlotte' and the popular suffix '-lyn' or could be viewed as a variation of 'Charlene.' With roots in the masculine name Charles (meaning 'free man'), Charlyn carries connotations of strength and independence. While never reaching widespread popularity, the name saw modest usage in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1940s and 1950s. Charlyn offers a slightly softer, more distinctive alternative to Charlotte or Charlene while maintaining their classic appeal. The name has remained uncommon enough to be distinctive yet recognizable, appealing to parents seeking a name with traditional roots but a somewhat unique presentation.
- Chelsea
Origin:
London and New York place-nameDescription:
Chelsea is still being used, with about 400 baby girls named Chelsea in the US last year. But it was much more popular a few decades ago, peaking at Number 15 in 1992.
- Chelsie
Description:
Chelsie represents a modern variant spelling of Chelsea, a name derived from an Old English place name meaning 'landing place for chalk or limestone.' Originally gaining recognition as a fashionable district in London, Chelsea transitioned to personal use during the 20th century. This particular spelling with 'ie' instead of 'ea' gives the name a softer, more feminine touch while maintaining its English heritage. Chelsie rose in popularity during the 1980s and 1990s, part of the trend toward place names and names ending with the cheerful 'ie' sound. The name conveys a youthful, approachable quality with a touch of sophistication from its geographic origins. Though less common today than during its peak, Chelsie retains a pleasant familiarity and contemporary feel.
- Chloe
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"young green shoot"Description:
Chloe is a pretty springtime name symbolizing new growth. Though slightly off its peak in the Top 10 in 2010, Chloe still ranks in the Top 20 and is solidly a modern classic.
- Christal
Description:
Christal is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Crystal. Derived from the English word for the clear, glass-like substance, it ultimately traces back to the Greek word 'krystallos,' meaning 'ice.' This alternative spelling gained popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, when parents began seeking more distinctive ways to spell traditional names. Christal carries connotations of clarity, purity, and natural beauty. The spelling with 'Ch' instead of 'C' gives the name a softer sound while visually connecting it to Christian or Christine. While less common than the standard Crystal spelling, Christal maintains the same appealing qualities while offering a touch of uniqueness.
- Christie
Origin:
Diminutive of ChristinaMeaning:
"a Christian"Description:
One of the coolest girls in the class of '73, still cute but not quite as youthful.
- Christina
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"a Christian"Description:
Christina, a pretty and feminine, crystal clear classic, may be trending downward, but it's never out of style. Christina's short forms Chris, Christie, and Tina all seem dated—making the royal Christina best used in its full glory.
- Christine
Origin:
French variation of ChristinaMeaning:
"Christian"Description:
Christine was the dominant feminine variation of Christopher forty or fifty years ago, when French E-endings were preferred over As; it was a Top 20 name for several years, from 1966 to 1974. But though it still hangs in on the popularity list, today most any other version would be considered more stylish, from Kristen to Kirsten to Christina herself.
- Ciara
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little dark one"Description:
Ciara is very popular in Ireland, more familiar here as the Anglicized Kiera or Keira. The uninitiated will tend to pronounce Ciara as the Italian Chiara, a form of Claire—kee-AHR-a or even see-AHR-a, like the American singer-songwriter Ciara. In the US, Ciara peaked in 2005, when it was the Number 150 name; it's since fallen down to Number 882.
- Cindy
Origin:
Diminutive of Cynthia or LucindaDescription:
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.