C Names for Girls
- Cadence
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"rhythm, beat"Description:
The musical word name Cadence, seemed to come out of nowhere to zoom up the charts; it rose over 700 spots between 2002 and 2004, and showed up in the Top 200 in 2007. It's gone down in the popular names list since then, though. Some might see it as a feminine relative of the popular Caden. Kadence and Kaydence are also rising.
- Cai
Origin:
VietnameseMeaning:
"feminine"Description:
Cai, as distinguished from the boys' name Kai, is international, simple, unusual.
- Caia
Origin:
Latin, feminine variation of CaiusMeaning:
"to rejoice"Description:
Caia Caecilia was the Roman Goddess of fire and women. The name Caia would make a truly fresh alternative to the flagging Maya, with which it rhymes.
- Caileigh
Description:
Caileigh is a feminine name of Irish and Gaelic origin, representing one of many modern spelling variations of the traditional name Cailey or Kayley. The original name derives from elements meaning 'slender' and 'fair,' though some associate it with the Irish word for 'celebration.' This particular spelling embraces Irish orthographic traditions while creating a distinctive appearance. Caileigh gained popularity in the 1990s and 2000s amid enthusiasm for Irish names and creative spellings. The name carries a melodic quality when pronounced (typically as KAY-lee), though the spelling might occasionally cause pronunciation confusion. Caileigh projects an image of Celtic heritage combined with feminine grace and continues to be chosen by parents drawn to its Irish roots and musical sound.
- Cailin
Origin:
American variation of Caitlin or KaylinDescription:
While the Cailin spelling doesn't appear on popularity charts, other forms such as Kaylin and Kaylen do, along with several similar names, from Caitlin to Jalen to Kayla. The result: a name that feels more common than it actually is.
- Cairo
Origin:
Place name, ArabicMeaning:
"the strong; the conqueror"Description:
On trend for boys but with plenty of unisex appeal too, the place name Cairo was put on the map for girls when model Beverly Peele chose it for her daughter. Given to around 50 girls each year, it hasn't caught on just yet but with its similar sounds to Kaia and Skyler, it might do in the future.
- Caitlin
Origin:
Irish variation of CatherineMeaning:
"pure"Description:
An Irish and Welsh form of Catherine, Caitlin was a boom name of the eighties, rocketing from obscurity (Americans first heard it via the wife of doomed poet Dylan Thomas) to the height of popularity in the space of a decade. The original name was gradually eclipsed by its myriad spelling variations -- Katelyn and Kaitlyn both soon topping it on the popularity lists.
- Caitlyn
Origin:
Spelling variation of CaitlinDescription:
Caitlyn is following all variations on the Irish classic Caitlin down the US baby name charts, following decades of popular usage. The original Anglicized form Kathleen is now starting to feel fresher than these more modern forms.
- Caitriona
Origin:
Gaelic variation of CatherineMeaning:
"pure"Description:
Both Caitriona and Catriona are commonly heard in Scotland and Ireland. The name was brought to Ireland by the Anglo-Normans, and is the source of nicknames Cait, Caitin, Caitlin and Triona. Actress Caitrona Balfe has gained recognition for her role on Outlander. Pronunciation is like Katrina.
- Calantha
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"lovely flower"Description:
Another of the new Greek-accented Cal- names.
- California
Origin:
Place-nameDescription:
Has not caught on as much as other Golden State place-names -- Sierra, Marin, West, or even Francisco -- probably because of its length.
- Calista
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"most beautiful"Description:
Spelled with either one 'l' or two, Calista came to the fore in 1997 when Calista Flockhart hit it big as Ally McBeal. Flockhart, who bears her mother's middle name, didn't just introduce a name, she introduced a whole sensibility. Pretty and delicate, Calista is definitely worthy of consideration, especially for parents with Greek roots.
- Calla
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"beautiful"Description:
Calla is a botanical name that is much more distinctive than popular Lily or similar Callie. Rarely heard today, it did appear in the popularity lists in the last decades of the nineteenth century.
- Callah
Description:
Callah is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be related to the Hebrew word 'kallah' meaning 'bride,' giving it ceremonial and spiritual significance. Alternatively, it could be a variant spelling of Calla, which derives from the Greek word for 'beautiful.' The name has a soft, flowing sound with its two syllables and gentle consonants. Callah remains relatively uncommon as a given name, offering a distinctive alternative to the more familiar Callie or Kayla. Its brevity and musical quality give it a timeless elegance that works well across cultures. The name has gained some limited usage in English-speaking countries in recent decades but remains rare enough to be distinctive.
- Callie
Origin:
Greek diminutiveMeaning:
"beautiful"Description:
As 90s and early 2000s favorite Allie is starting to fall, Callie is feeling extra fresh. Callie is a nickname name that is currently more popular on its own than any of its longer versions. Callie was popular in the late 1800s when it was in the Top 200 for several years. However the name fell out of favor, eventually falling off the charts for some time. Callie has been rising again since the 70s, and it is now back in the Top 200 once again. In the popular show Grey's Anatomy, doctor Callie Torez's full name is the Greek Calliope.
- Calliope
Origin:
Greek mythology nameMeaning:
"beautiful voice"Description:
Calliope is the name of the muse of epic poetry -- and also the musical instrument on the merry-go-round. Bold and creative, it debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2016, and entered the Top 500 in 2023. Similar in rhythm and sound to Penelope with usable nicknames Callie, Clio, and Lola, it is no wonder it's on the rise.
- Calypso
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"she who hides"Description:
This hyper-rhythmic name has two evocative references. In Greek mythology, she was an island nymph, a daughter of Atlas, who delayed Odysseus from returning home. It is also a genre of West Indian music, originating in Trinidad and Tobago and largely popularized in the States by Harry Belafonte.
- Cambree
Description:
Cambree is a modern feminine name with American origins, created as a variation of names like Cambria and Bree. This trendy name combines elements of popularity from similar-sounding names like Aubree and Brinley. The name has a contemporary feel with its distinctive spelling and the popular "ee" ending sound. Cambree began appearing on naming charts in the early 2000s, gaining modest popularity as parents sought unique yet accessible names. The name carries a youthful, fresh quality and fits with current naming trends favoring softer sounds and creative spellings. Cambree remains uncommon enough to be distinctive while still feeling familiar to modern ears.
- Cambria
Origin:
Place-nameDescription:
Most names that start with Cam- are on the upswing, so why not this obscure term for Wales as well as for a prehistoric time period.
- Cambrie
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
Cute but slight mix of stylish sounds Cam and Bree, chosen by Rick Schroder for his daughter.