247 Unique Girl Names That Start With C & Meanings

In 2026, Charlotte is the second most popular girl’s name in the United States. I have selected an additional 246 unique girl names that start with the letter C. I have also included their meanings.

List Of 247 Unique Girl Names That Start With C & Meanings:

Caroline

Caroline has German and French origins, and means ”free woman.” A famous Caroline is Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

Clytie

From Greek klytos, famous.

Cyrielle

Lordly.

Cassiopeia

”She whose words excel”.

Caiyun

”Colorful cloud.”

Cora

Cora has its origins in the Greek ”Kórē,” a nickname of Persephone. Persephone is the queen of the underworld in Greek mythology. Cora means ”maiden” or ”daughter.”

Cúc

Chrysanthemum.

Consuelo

”Consolation,” as well as a character in George Sand’s longest novel.

Clematis

From Greek klema, vine branch.

African American feminine names that start with C:

Name	Meaning	Pronunciation
Chanel	channel	shuh-NEL
Chioma	”good God”	chee-OH-mah
Condoleezza	sweetly, in Italian	kon-doh-LEE-zuh
Chaka	the fiery one	CHAH-kuh
Corinthia	of Corinth	kuh-RIN-thee-uh
Chiamaka	”God is beautiful.”	chee-AH-mah-kah
Chastity	purity	CHAS-tih-tee
Cymphonique	coined, symphony	sim-fuh-NEEK
Chidinma	God is good	chee-DEEN-mah
Charisse	”grace”	shuh-REES
Camari	moonlike, in Swahili	kuh-MAR-ee
Chinwe	God owns her	CHEEN-weh
Chyna	from China	CHY-nuh
Chimamanda	”my God won’t fail.”	chee-mah-MAHN-dah
Chandra	the moon	CHAN-druh or CHUN-druh

The list continues.

Cantika

Beautiful.

Charlotte

“Petite.” Charlotte is one of the most popular feminine names in Canada. I really wanted it on my shortlist for a possible daughter.

Clotho

Spinner.

Cruz

Cruz is Spanish for cross. Save

Chiku

”Chatterer.”

Creusa

”Princess.”

Carmen

Carmen is from the Hebrew karmel, “garden or orchard.” Nuestra Señora del Carmen is a title given to the Virgin Mary in Spanish-speaking countries.

Chiedza

Light.

Chitra

”Picture,” and Sanskrit for the star Spica.

Country female names that start with C:

Name	Meaning	Pronunciation
Cimarron	wild, in Spanish	sim-uh-ROHN
Calico	”printed cotton”	KAL-ih-koh
Cypress	the evergreen tree	SY-pris
Cherokee	Georgia’s wild rose	CHAIR-uh-kee
Copper	the red metal	KOP-er
Cricket	”little chirper.”	KRIK-it
Chastain	of the chestnut	chas-TAYN
Cedar	strong, or fragrant	SEE-der
Caddo	true chiefs	KAD-oh
Cinnamon	”sweet spice”	SIN-uh-mun
Columbine	dove, in Latin	KOL-um-byne
Chesney	oak grove	CHEZ-nee
Catalpa	winged head	kuh-TAL-puh
Calamity	”disaster.”	kuh-LAM-ih-tee
Cotton	fluff, or cloth	KOT-n

Scroll for more.

Clotilde

Famous in battle.

Cayenne

It comes from the capital of French Guiana, which gave the pepper its title.

READ MORE: Girl Names That Start With K

Clara

“Bright” and “famous.” Clare was the main English form that was used in the Middle Ages.

Courtney

”Short nose.”

Chinyere

God gave.

Capella

”Little she-goat”. Capella is the brightest star of the constellation Auriga.

Clymene

From Greek kleos, fame.

Celia

Celia is a nickname for Cecilia which is from the Latin caelum, “heaven.” In case you didn’t know, Latin does have words for heaven. The male version is Cecil.

Charmian

Charmian (”joy”) is a maid at Cleopatra’s deathbed in Shakespeare.

Chiharu

It combines chi, thousand, with haru, spring.

Cyane

Dark blue.

Cambria

”Wales.” The Cambrian period of geology takes its title from it.

Claire

It has its origins in the French word clair, “light-colored.” Claire feels modern and is very feminine to me.

Celandine

”Swallow,” and the flower said to bloom when swallows return.

Cunégonde

Cunégonde (”brave in war”) is the beloved of Voltaire’s Candide.

Chinatsu

Thousand summers.

Girl names that start with C with dark meanings:

Name	Meaning	Pronunciation
Corvina	raven	kor-VEE-nuh
Carmilla	she drank blood	kar-MIL-uh
Cimmeria	”land of darkness”	sih-MEER-ee-uh
Chimera	she-goat, in Greek	ky-MEER-uh or kih-MEER-uh
Cuca	crocodile witch	KOO-kah
Caligo	”darkness.”	kuh-LEE-goh
Cailleach	hag, or crone	KAL-yokh
Charybdis	she swallows ships	kuh-RIB-dis
Cinder	ash	SIN-der
Cruella	”cruel”	kroo-EL-uh
Cyhyraeth	wail of death	kuh-HUR-eyeth
Celaeno	the dark one	seh-LEE-noh
Circe	falcon, in Greek	SUR-see or KEER-keh
Cegua	”horse-faced ghost.”	SEH-gwah
Ceridwen	cauldron keeper	keh-RID-wen

Even more below.

Campbell

”Crooked mouth.”

Constance

Constance means “steadfastness” which would be a great meaning for your little girl. Variations of Constance are Constanze and Connie.

Ceyda

Long-necked beauty.

Chumani

”Dewdrops.”

Calendula

From Latin calendae, the first of the month, when it was said to bloom.

Cybele

Cybele (”of the mountain”) had a chariot that was drawn by lions in Phrygia.

Chloe

”Fertility.” It comes from the Greek Χλοη. It is in the top 5 in Canada. The French spelling is Chloé and was an epithet of the goddess Demeter.

Cvetka

Flower.

Citrine

”Lemon-colored.”

Cozbi

Cozbi (”deceitful”) was the Midianite princess killed with Zimri in Numbers.

Cobhlaith

It is made of cobh, victory, with flaith, princess.

Candace

It has its origins in the term kandake, a Meroitic term for a queen. In the Bible, Candace is a royal title that is similar to Caesar in Rome.

Chthonia

”Of the earth,” and a princess sacrificed to save Athens.

Crispina

From Latin crispus, curly-haired.

Cemile

”Beautiful.”

Chang’e

”Moon goddess,” and China named its lunar probes after her.

Catherine

Catherine is interpreted as ”pure.” You’ll find this one in practically every language.

Chisom

God is with me.

Călina

From Romanian călin, the guelder rose.

Crescentia

”Growing.”

Cecilia

”Hidden.” Cecilia of Rome is one of several virgin martyrs.

Celeste

It is rooted in the word caelestis, ”heavenly.” Personally, I think Celeste is nice, and that will age well.

Camille

Camille has French origins and is symbolizing “young ceremonial attendant.” It is also believed to be a female form of the Roman Camillus (“attendant”). In France, they pronounce Camille ”cammy.”

Champa

From Sanskrit champaka, fragrant magnolia.

Chitrangada

”Bright armlets,” and a warrior princess of Manipur in Tagore’s dance drama.

Camryn

Crooked nose.

Chompoo

Rose apple.

Claudia

Claudia is the feminine form of Claudius, ”limping.”

Concetta

Concetta is Italian for conception.

Chrysothemis

”Golden law.” Chrysothemis is Electra’s sister who chose silence over revenge.

Chausiku

”Born at night.”

Colinda

Colinda is the Romanian word for a Christmas carol, and UNESCO recognized the custom.

Cecily

Its origins can be traced back to medieval times. Cecily means “blind.”

Clarke

Scholar.

Chi

Branch.

Cana

”Reed,” and a wedding town where water turned to wine.

Charulata

”Beautiful vine,” and Satyajit Ray’s favorite of his films.

Chelsea

Chelsea is literally interpreted as “chalk landing place.” Chelsy, Chelsie, Chelsi, and Chelsey are different variations. In the US, Chelsea reached the top 1000 most popular names for girls in 1969.

Calypso

”She who conceals.” Calypso is a nymph who kept Odysseus for seven years.

Chrysoula

It comes from Greek chrysos, gold.

Chaya

Alive.

Cordova

”From Córdoba.”

Charmaine

“Charm or delight.” It sounds committed to an earlier generation.

Crina

Lily.

Chipo

”Gift.”

Caledonia

From the Roman title for Scotland.

Cythera

”Island of Aphrodite,” as well as a shore Watteau painted pilgrims sailing toward.

Cristina

Cristina is the feminine form of Christianus and is meaning “follower of Christ.” American singer Christina Aguilera has over 100 million records sold worldwide. Short forms include Tina and Chris.

Carnelian

”Cornel cherry,” red stone Romans carved into signet rings.

Canan

From Persian janan, beloved.

Chaviva

Beloved.

Chika

Wisdom.

Cynthia

In the US Cynthia is ranked in the 1000 most used names for girls. Cynthia has Greek origins, and means ‘from Mount Cynthus.’ In Spain, it is ranked in the top 500 girl names, while in the United States is in the top 1000. It was initially an epithet of the Greek goddess Artemis.

Colby

“Someone who lives in a coal town.”

Colleen

Colleen originates from the Irish language, and is symbolizing ”woman” or ”girl.”

Cyrene

”Sovereign queen,” and the Libyan city Greek settlers founded in her honor.

Ceinwen

It combines cain, fair, with gwen, blessed.

Chou

Butterfly.

Chetana

”Consciousness.”

Charlene

Charlene is the feminine variant of Charles. It means “free spirit.”

Christa

As a diminutive of Christine, Christa means “follower of Christ.”

Cheryl

”Beloved.” Cheryl comes from the French ‘Chérie.’

Cordelia

“Daughter of the sea.”

Capri

The Italian Capri is symbolizing ‘wild boar.’ Capri is also an Italian island located in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It comes from the Latin word ”capra.”

Camilla

“Young ceremonial attendant.”

Cheyenne

Cheyenne has Lakota origins and is meaning “people of alien speech.”

Cassidy

“Curly-haired” and there is also the Gaelic Ó Caiside, “descendant of Caiside.”

Chantal

Chantal comes from the Old Occitan word cantal (“stone”). It’s common in France and the UK.

Cressida

”Gold.”

Clementine

Clementine is from the Latin clemens (”mild” or ”merciful”) and is the feminine form of Clement. Nicknames: Clem, Clemmie, Minnie, Tyne.

Cemre

”Ember,” and Turks say three cemre fall each February to warm air, water and earth.

Cendana

Cendana is Malay for sandalwood.

Chedva

Joy.

Cataleya

”Cattleya orchid,” and an assassin in the film Colombiana.

Cosima

Cosima comes from the Greek kosmos, ”order and beauty.” It is pronounced KOH-see-ma.

Cora

“Daughter” or ”maiden.”

Clarissa

Clarissa is a variation of Clara, carrying the same clear sense. Samuel Richardson’s 1748 novel Clarissa is one of the longest works of fiction in English.

Cliodhna

Shapely.

Charita

”Good conduct.”

Czesława

It combines czcić, honor, with sława, glory.

Caprice

From Italian capriccio, whim.

Calliope

”Beautiful-voiced”, and is composed of the elements kallos (beauty) and ops (voice). In myths she was the mother of Orpheus.

Cynethryth

Cynethryth (”royal strength”) is the only Anglo-Saxon queen whose coins survive.

Caoimhe

”Gentle.”

Cahaya

Light.

Coronis

”Crow,” and the god’s white crow turned black for reporting her betrayal.

Cara

”Dear one.” Cara has roots in the Italian and Latin cara. You can say it in almost any language without it bending out of shape.

Chimwemwe

From Chichewa, joy.

Cadhla

Beautiful.

Chagit

Chagit (”festive”) is the mother of Adonijah in the Book of Kings.

Chemda

From Hebrew chemed, charm.

Cassandra

Cassandra is symbolizing “shining upon man” and Cassie is the everyday short form.

Cixi

Cixi (”kind and joyful”) ruled China from behind a silk screen for 47 years.

Chrysanthe

It is made of chrysos, gold, and anthos, flower.

Copia

Abundance.

Chameli

”Jasmine.”

Clover

Clover came up with the wave of nature names that helped put Ivy and Willow back into fashion.

Crăița

Little queen.

Cipriana

From Cyprus.

Cascadia

”Land of waterfalls.”

Creirwy

”Token,” and the fairest maiden in Welsh legend.

Corinne

Corinne is linked to the Greek kore, ”maiden.” Cora is a popular nickname.

Ceylan

Gazelle.

Chisato

”Thousand villages.”

Concordia

It comes from Latin concordia, harmony.

Cathay

Cathay is a European title for China, used by Marco Polo.

Cassia

”A spice at heart.” Cassia comes via the Greek kasia. The 9th-century Byzantine nun Kassia composed Christian hymns.

Calantha

Beautiful flower.

Cathubodua

From Gaulish catu, battle, and bodua, crow.

Chitose

”Thousand years.”

Cherith

”Cutting,” and the brook where ravens fed Elijah.

Cerys

Cerys is Welsh for love and has origins in the verb caru, to love.

Cleo

A short form of Cleopatra and means ”fame” or ”glory.”

Coral

Coral comes from the Latin corallium and the Greek korallion.

Comfort

Solace.

Chun

”Spring.”

Cayetana

”From Gaeta.” Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart was a Duchess of Alba who had more titles than any noble alive.

Cuiyu

It combines cui, emerald, with yu, jade.

Colette

Colette was initially a French pet form of Nicolette. Saint Colette of Corbie reformed a branch of the Poor Clares in the 1400s.

Chinmayi

”Full of awareness.”

Chenxi

”Morning light.”

Ceres

It comes from the Roman grain goddess, the root of English cereal.

Chimène

Chimène (”she has heard”) loves the man who killed her father in Corneille’s Le Cid.

Cadence

Cadence is from the Latin cadentia, ”flow.” In the 2000s in went north in popularity alongside other sound names like Harmony and Melody.

Codruța

Little forest.

Cesarina

From Caesar.

Ciannait

”Ancient.”

Caer

From Old Irish caer, yew berry, a girl who became a swan each Samhain.

Ciara

Ciara is Irish for dark or dark-haired and is the feminine of Ciarán.

Candela

Candela is Spanish for candle, and the unit of light intensity.

Cynosura

”Dog’s tail.” Cynosura was a nymph that ignited the English cynosure.

Capucine

”Nasturtium.”

Chaba

Hibiscus.

Calla

The root is the Greek kallos, beauty. Brief and clean, Calla connects a flower to an open sound.

Chhaya

”Shadow,” and the shadow-wife the sun god Surya has..

Caoilfhionn

It combines caol, slender, with fionn, fair.

Cansu

”Life water.”

Corazon

Corazon (”heart”) Aquino was the first woman to lead the Philippines.

Charity

Charity has origins in the Latin caritas and is meaning ”selfless love.” English Puritans handed it to daughters in the 1600s. In the King James Bible, charity is the word chosen where later translations say love.

Callisto

”Most beautiful,” and one of the four moons of Jupiter.

Chakori

Chakori (”partridge”) is the bird Indian poets say lives on moonbeams.

Cerise

Cherry.

Ceren

”Young gazelle.”

Clio

”To celebrate.”

Cleopatra

The Egyptian queen Cleopatra (“glory of the father”) ruled as the last of the Ptolemaic line before Rome took Egypt.

Crystal

Krystal and Chrystal are common spelling variations.

Cardea

From Latin cardo, hinge, for the Roman goddess of doorways.

Covadonga

”Cave of the lady”.

Chiyo

”Thousand generations.”

Chikondi

Love.

Csilla

It was used by the poet Mihály Vörösmarty from csillag, star.

Chie

Wisdom.

Cornelia

”Horn.” Cornelia was the Roman mother who called her sons her jewels.

Crenguța

From Romanian creangă, branch.

Chizuru

”Thousand cranes,” and a paper birds folded for a single wish.

Celyn

Celyn is Welsh for holly.

Candida

White.

Clytemnestra

”Famous for suitors.” Clytemnestra was a queen who killed Agamemnon in his bath.

Calogera

”Good old age.”

Chaitali

From Chaitra, spring month of the Hindu calendar.

Caireann

Little beloved.

Cennet

”Paradise.”

Cinta

Love.

Chidera

”What God has written.”

Cameo

It comes from Italian cammeo, a carved relief gem.

Cartimandua

Cartimandua (”sleek pony”) presented a rebel chief to Rome.

Chanchal

Restless.

Collins

Son of Colin.

Chihiro

”Thousand fathoms.” Chihiro is a girl who works in the spirit bathhouse of Spirited Away.