Girl C names

  1. Bellamy
    • Origin:

      English and Irish from French
    • Meaning:

      "fine friend"
    • Description:

      Bellamy is emerging as an up-and-coming girls' name, an Irish surname-y riff on the super-popular Bella series of names. While the Bella connection makes Bellamy sound a little trendier and more popular than it really is, we see the name possibly rising through the ranks for both genders in the coming years.
  2. Cady
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive and surname
    • Description:

      Cady is one of those names that sounds popular but is actually rare in this form, given to only a few dozen baby girls in the US last year.
  3. Cailin
    • Origin:

      American variation of Caitlin or Kaylin
    • Description:

      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.
  4. CALACE
    • Calantha
      • Origin:

        Greek
      • Meaning:

        "lovely flower"
      • Description:

        Another of the new Greek-accented Cal- names.
    • CALICE
      • CALISSA
        • Calista
          • Origin:

            Greek
          • Meaning:

            "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.
        • Calixta
          • Origin:

            Greek
          • Meaning:

            "most beautiful"
          • Description:

            Calista Flockhart may have made her variation of this beautiful Greek name familiar to modern Americans, but the even-edgier x version was the name of an earlier feminist heroine: a character in Kate Chopin's The Storm.
        • Callas
          • Description:

            Opera lovers and fans of the great diva might make a more sensitive choice with Maria.
        • Callie
          • Origin:

            Greek diminutive
          • Meaning:

            "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 name
          • Meaning:

            "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.
        • Callisto
          • Origin:

            Greek mythology
          • Meaning:

            "most beautiful"
          • Description:

            Best known as one of the moons of Jupiter, Callisto was a nymph coveted by Zeus who was turned into a bear by Hera, becoming the Great Bear (Ursa Major) constellation.
        • Calypso
          • Origin:

            Greek
          • Meaning:

            "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.
        • Cantara
          • Origin:

            Arabic
          • Meaning:

            "little bridge"
          • Description:

            An interesting and unusual choice, with a choral feel.
        • Carbry
          • Origin:

            Irish
          • Meaning:

            "charioteer"
          • Description:

            Male name from Irish mythology makes stylish-sounding choice for girls.
        • Carden
          • Origin:

            English occupational name
          • Meaning:

            "wool carder"
          • Description:

            Unusual, serious, no-nonsense occupational surname that could be borrowed from the boys.
        • CARDYNN
          • Carina
            • Origin:

              Italian
            • Meaning:

              "dear little one"
            • Description:

              Carina is a pretty delicately feminine name whose fall from popularity is not helped by its similarity to hurricane name Katrina or slang victim Karen.
          • Carise
            • Description:

              Carise is a delicate feminine name with possible French origins. It may be related to the Latin 'carus' meaning 'dear' or 'beloved,' suggesting someone who is cherished. The name has a sophisticated, elegant quality while remaining relatively uncommon, making it appealing to parents seeking something distinctive. Carise blends classic femininity with a contemporary feel, and its melodious sound flows gracefully when spoken. Though not widely used in English-speaking countries, it occasionally appears in France and among francophone communities. The name carries connotations of affection, warmth, and tenderness, making it a subtle yet meaningful choice for a daughter.

          • Carissa
            • Origin:

              Greek
            • Meaning:

              "grace"
            • Description:

              Trending down, along with others of both the Car and the issa groups.
          • Carolina
            • Origin:

              Variation of Caroline; also place-name
            • Meaning:

              "free man"
            • Description:

              Romantic, and classy, this variation heats up Caroline and modernizes Carol, adding a southern accent. A popular choice in Portugal, Spain, Mexico, and Italy, it recently entered the US Top 500.
          • Caroline
            • Origin:

              French, feminine variation of Charles
            • Meaning:

              "free man"
            • Description:

              Caroline is a perennial classic, one of the elite group of girls' names that's ALWAYS ranked among the Top 1000 and that's been in the Top 100 since 1994. Elegant yet strong, Caroline calls to mind the Kennedy Camelot years and Princess Caroline of Monaco.
          • Casey
            • Origin:

              Irish
            • Meaning:

              "brave in battle"
            • Description:

              One of the original unisex Irish surname names, energetic Casey bounced onto the scene in the 1960s, then peaked in the 1980s for both boys and girls. Today Casey is having a resurgence for both girls and boys and re-entered the charts on the girls' side, likely due to the character Kayce Dutton (pronounced like Casey) on the hit show Yellowstone.
          • Cassia
            • Origin:

              Feminine form of Cassius or Greek
            • Meaning:

              "cinnamon"
            • Description:

              Cassia is related to the cassia tree, which has yellow flowers and produces a spice that can be a substitute for cinnamon. Keziah, the name of Job’s daughter in the Old Testament, derives from the name of the plant as well. Cassia also has ties to the Ancient Roman name Cassius, an Ancient Roman family name meaning "hollow."
          • Catalina
            • Origin:

              Spanish variation of Catherine
            • Meaning:

              "pure"
            • Description:

              This name of a touristed island in sight of Los Angeles makes an attractive and newly stylish variation on the classic Catherine or overused Caitlin.
          • Celena
            • Description:

              Celena is a feminine name with multiple potential origins, primarily considered a variant spelling of Selena or Celina. The name ultimately derives from Greek origins related to 'selene,' meaning 'moon,' giving it associations with luminosity, mystery, and celestial beauty. The spelling variation with 'C' instead of 'S' gives the name a slightly different visual appeal while maintaining the same melodic pronunciation. Celena gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s but remains relatively uncommon. The name has a romantic, flowing quality with its soft consonants and open vowel sounds. Parents might choose Celena for its elegant sound, celestial connections, and the balance it strikes between being recognizable yet not overly common.

          • Celeste
            • Origin:

              Latin
            • Meaning:

              "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.
          • Celestial
            • Origin:

              Latin
            • Meaning:

              "of the heavens, planets or stars"
            • Description:

              A pretty and almost unique word name to add to the galaxy of astral appellations. More distinctive than the better-known Celeste, it was given to only 20 girls last year. Celestial is also the title of several band albums, and is heard in the video game and comics worlds.
          • Celestina
            • Origin:

              Italian and Spanish variation of Celeste
            • Meaning:

              "heavenly"
            • Description:

              We are hearing more of such heavenly names as Celeste and Celia, which opens the door to the range of lovely variations rarely heard before. Celestina is one of them, though given the more accessible options, it may be gilding the lily.
          • Celestine
            • Origin:

              Latin
            • Meaning:

              "heavenly"
            • Description:

              Celestine is a pretty, crystalline extension (actually a diminutive) of Celeste that would make a choice that is both delicate and strong. It is also a popular name in France.
          • Celia
            • Origin:

              Latin
            • Meaning:

              "heavenly"
            • Description:

              Celia, splendidly sleek and feminine, is a name that was scattered throughout Shakespeare and other Elizabethan literature, but still manages to feel totally modern.
          • Celine
            • Origin:

              French variation of Celeste
            • Meaning:

              "heavenly"
            • Description:

              French-Canadian singer Dion made us notice this variation. Although many parents would prefer the homonym Selene, which has a different derivation and means "moon," Celine has been a Top 1000 name every year since 2012, and was also on the list each year from 1994 to 2005. Celine is also a newly-chic French fashion label.
          • Ceridwen
            • Origin:

              Welsh
            • Meaning:

              "beautiful as a poem"
            • Description:

              Celtic goddess of poetry, though less-than-poetic name.
          • Cerise
            • Origin:

              French
            • Meaning:

              "cherry"
            • Description:

              Infinitely preferable to the tease-inspiring English version of the word.
          • Ceylon
            • Origin:

              Place name
            • Description:

              Lovely, international, tea-scented possibility undiscovered by baby names.
          • Chandra
            • Origin:

              Hindi
            • Meaning:

              "goddess of the moon"
            • Description:

              Chandra is the name of the Hindu moon goddess last groovy when incense and meditation were hot new concepts but a new possibility with the resurgence of astrology and other non-Western spiritual beliefs.
          • Chantal
            • Origin:

              French
            • Meaning:

              "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.
          • Charity
            • Origin:

              English word name
            • Meaning:

              "charity"
            • Description:

              Charity is one of the Big Three abstract virtue names, along with Hope and Faith, though far less widely used than the others. But as Faith, Grace and Hope grow more common, some parents are beginning to look at the more unusual three-syllable choices like Verity, Amity, Clarity and Charity, which sound much fresher and also have that pleasingly rhythmic 'y'-ending sound.
          • Charlotte
            • Origin:

              French, feminine diminutive of Charles
            • Meaning:

              "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.
          • Charmian
            • Origin:

              Greek
            • Meaning:

              "joy"
            • Description:

              This name was used by Shakespeare (who got it from Plutarch) in Antony and Cleopatra for one of the attendants of the Egyptian queen. An interesting possibility, it is heard occasionally in the UK, even less frequently in the US.
          • Chauncey
            • Origin:

              Latin
            • Meaning:

              "chancellor"
            • Description:

              A name halfway between its old milquetoast image and a more jovial Irish-sounding contemporary one. Sounds more feminine than masculine these days.
          • Cherie
            • Origin:

              French
            • Meaning:

              "darling"
            • Description:

              The kind of French name that seemed daring -- and darling -- in the sixties.
          • 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.
          • Clara
            • Origin:

              Latin
            • Meaning:

              "bright, clear"
            • Description:

              Clara is a strong, lovely girls' name that's always ranked among the US Top 1000 girl names but has been climbing since the turn of this century. It now ranks right around Number 100, making it a modern classic that's neither too popular nor unfamiliar.
          • Claret
            • Origin:

              Color name, also Bordeaux wine
            • Description:

              Rich purplish red color choice that may gain favor along with Claire, though the wine connection can't be ignored.
          • Clarice
            • Origin:

              Medieval form of Clarita, a derivative of Clara
            • Meaning:

              "bright, clear"
            • Description:

              If you’re a fan of the annual animated Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, you’ll recognize the name of Rudolph’s beautiful doe sweetheart, pronounced cla-REES—uncomfortably close to the Silence of the Lambs pronunciation. Clarice was the name of the wife of Lorenzo de' Medici, and Clarice Cliff was a famed British ceramics artist. Though a Top 300 name from 1906 to 1934, modern parents might prefer the more delicate Clarissa.
          • Clarina
            • Description:

              Clarina is a feminine name with Latin origins, serving as an elaborate form of Clara, meaning 'clear, bright, or famous.' This melodic name combines the strength of its initial consonant blend with a delicate, flowing ending. Historically used in Italy and other Romance language regions, Clarina carries an air of classical elegance with its rhythmic four-syllable structure. While never reaching widespread popularity, the name has maintained consistent, if uncommon, usage throughout the centuries. Clarina offers the familiar nicknames Clara, Clare, or Rina. The name suggests qualities of clarity, brilliance, and luminosity from its Latin roots. For parents seeking a feminine name with historical depth that remains distinctive, Clarina provides a melodious option with cross-cultural appeal.

          • Claris
            • Description:

              Claris is a feminine name derived from Latin 'clarus,' meaning 'clear, bright, or famous.' It can be considered a variant of Clara or Clarice, offering a concise alternative that maintains the elegant clarity of its relatives. While never achieving widespread popularity, Claris has a timeless quality that blends classical roots with a crisp, modern sound. The name occasionally appears across different time periods and cultures but remains relatively uncommon. Claris has connections to the French name Clarisse and might evoke associations with clarity of thought or purpose. Its brief, distinctive structure makes it appealing to parents seeking a name that's sophisticated yet straightforward, with historical roots but without feeling dated.

          • Clarissa
            • Origin:

              Elaboration of Clara
            • Meaning:

              "bright, clear"
            • Description:

              Clarissa, the daintier version of Claire, has a long literary history of its own, having been featured in the novels of Samuel Richardson, Charles Dickens, and Virginia Woolf—Clarissa was the title character of Mrs. Dalloway—not to mention the 1990s teen sitcom, Clarissa Explains it All.
          • Clarity
            • Origin:

              English virtue name
            • Meaning:

              "the quality of being clear"
            • Description:

              Clarity is one of the lightest of the newly rediscovered virtue names, with a bit of three-syllable sparkle, old-fashioned charm and a clear vision for the future. Clarity is a very desirable quality in this confusing world and it also, unlike some other newly coined word names, has real meaning and history as a name.
          • Clemency
            • Origin:

              English feminine variation of Clement, Latin
            • Meaning:

              "mild, merciful"
            • Description:

              One of the rarest of virtue names, Clemency could come back along with the more familiar Puritan virtue names such as Hope and Faith. It has a rhythmic three-syllable sound, and offers a more virtuous alternative to the more popular Clementine.
          • Clothilde
            • Origin:

              French from German
            • Meaning:

              "famous in battle"
            • Description:

              Pronounced klo-TEELD, this name is well used in France, but rarely heard here; it has a chic and sophisticated air.
          • Clover
            • Origin:

              Flower name, from Old English
            • Meaning:

              "key"
            • Description:

              Clover is a charming, perky choice if you want to move beyond hothouse blooms like Rose and Lily, and it's recently become a new celeb favorite, chosen by both Neal McDonough and Natasha Gregson Wagner, who used it to honor her mother, Natalie Wood, one of whose most iconic films was Inside Daisy Clover.
          • Concordia
            • Origin:

              Latin
            • Meaning:

              "peace, harmony"
            • Description:

              This name of the goddess of peace creates a lovely ideal.
          • Constance
            • Origin:

              English version of Latin Constantia
            • Meaning:

              "steadfastness"
            • Description:

              Constance is one of the more subtle of the virtue baby names, but still has quite a prim and proper image. One impediment to its revival has been the decidedly dated nickname Connie, though modern parents might well opt for using the strong and dignified name in full.
          • Cordelia
            • Origin:

              Latin; Celtic
            • Meaning:

              "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.
          • Cordie
            • Description:

              Cordie is a feminine name with Latin roots, traditionally serving as a diminutive of Cordelia or names containing 'cord,' meaning 'heart.' Popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in America, Cordie embodies warmth and affection. The name evokes a vintage, homespun charm that connects to simpler times. While its usage declined in the mid-20th century, Cordie has potential for revival among parents seeking uncommon vintage names with emotional resonance. The name's association with the heart gives it symbolic depth, suggesting sincerity and compassion. Its friendly, approachable quality makes it both distinctive and accessible, offering nostalgic appeal while avoiding overtly dated connotations.

          • Corisande
            • Origin:

              Greek
            • Meaning:

              "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.
          • Corliss
            • Origin:

              English
            • Meaning:

              "carefree person"
            • Description:

              Corliss, eccentric yet well-established, has an independent and artistic air.
          • Corrine
            • Origin:

              French from Greek
            • Meaning:

              "maiden"
            • Description:

              A spelling variant of Corinne, which ranked a little behind its sister spelling until the 1990s when it fell out of favor.
          • Cosima
            • Origin:

              Italian feminine variation of Cosmo, Greek
            • Meaning:

              "order, beauty, universe"
            • Description:

              Cosima, the kind of elegant and unusual name the British upper classes love to use for their daughters, is given to a handful of baby girls in the US after being chosen by two high-profile celebs in the same month; cool couple Sofia Coppola and Thomas Mars as well as supermodel Claudia Schiffer. It was used earlier by celebrity chef Nigella Lawson, while the male form, Cosimo, was given to the son of Marissa Ribisi and Beck.
          • Cressida
            • Origin:

              Greek
            • Meaning:

              "gold"
            • Description:

              Cressida is a pretty mythological and Shakespearean heroine name much better known in Britain than it is here — an imbalance the adventurous baby namer might want to correct.
          • Crimson
            • Origin:

              Color name
            • Meaning:

              "rich deep red"
            • Description:

              Crimson could be a possible competitor for Scarlett's success, though it's lacking that Johansson charm.
          • Cyane
            • Origin:

              Greek
            • Meaning:

              "bright blue enamel"
            • Description:

              Cyane is a mythological Sicilian nymph who lived in a pool and whose name is an intriguing twist on the color name trend.
          • Cybele
            • Origin:

              Greek
            • Meaning:

              "the mother of all gods"
            • Description:

              The Anatolian mother goddess Cybele had a place in Greek, Roman, Trojan, and Anatolian mythology. Today, she has special meaning as a symbol of gender nonconformity.
          • Cyra
            • Origin:

              Persian or Greek
            • Meaning:

              "sun or throne, or lord"
            • Description:

              Cyra is an unusual name that can be pronounced either SEER-a or SI-ra, rhyming with Keira or Tyra. This name may be a feminine variation of Cyrus but is also a Persian name that stands on its own. One noted bearer is writer Cyra McFadden.