55+ Beautiful C Girl Names for Your Daughter

It doesn’t seem to matter if it’s the 1930s or 2025 — girl names that start with C aren’t going anywhere.

In fact, the letter “c” has been a top-7 first initial for baby girl names every year since 1936 and peaked as high as No. 2 among first initials in the late-1950s, according to Behind the Name. 

A lot of that success can be credited to timeless classics like Carol, Cynthia, Christine and Carolyn. 

Those four C names for girls each ranked inside the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) top-50 most popular girl names over the past 100 years — between 1924 and 2023. 

Catherine (51), Christina (58), Cheryl (67) and Charlotte (81) were the only other baby girl names that start with C to rank inside the top-100 over that span. 

C girl names most recently ranked sixth among first initials in the United States and accounted for just over 5% of all baby names given to girls in 2023, per Behind the Name. 

Only S, L, M, E and A ranked higher in 2023. 

The main difference between now and then is that we’re seeing a new generation of girl names starting with C emerge in the U.S. as most of those timeless classics become less relevant. 

For example, Charlotte was the most popular C name for girls in 2023, per the SSA — jumping from 81st over the past 100 years to 3rd in 2023. 

Camila (13), Chloe (26), Claire (67), Caroline (83), Cora (93) and Clara (99) were the other girl names that start with C inside the top-100 in 2023. 

Let’s take a look at some of the other trendy, yet unique girl names that start with C today. 

Charlie

Origin: American; Germanic

Meaning: Free Woman

Charlie, pronounced CHAR-lee, is traditionally a diminutive of Charles but has become a popular standalone name for girls. It derives from the Germanic name Karl, meaning "free man" or "full-grown.” Other popular spellings include Charlee, Charli, Charleigh and Charley.

Cecilia

Origin: Roman; Latin

Meaning: Blind; Patroness of musicians

Cecilia, pronounced suh-SEE-lee-uh, comes from the Roman family name Caecilius, which derives from the Latin word caecus, meaning "blind." The name gained popularity through Saint Cecilia, the patroness of musicians in the Catholic tradition. Some parents prefer Cecelia or Cecily.

Catalina

Origin: Spanish; Greek

Meaning: Pure

Catalina, pronounced kat-uh-LEE-nuh, is the Spanish form of Catherine. It derives from the Greek name Aikaterine, whose etymology is debated but is often associated with the Greek word katharos, meaning "pure."

Callie

Origin: English; Greek

Meaning: Beautiful

Callie, pronounced KAL-ee, can be a diminutive of names like Calista or Caroline, but is also used as a standalone name. It derives from the Greek word kallos, meaning "beautiful.”

Cali

Origin: English; Greek

Meaning: Beauty; Little California

Cali, pronounced KAL-ee, is a variant of Callie and is often used as a nickname for names that start with Cal, such as Calliope or Calista. It comes from the Greek word kallos, meaning “beauty,” but can also be a nickname for California.

Collins

Origin: English; Irish; Gaelic

Meaning: Young dog; Whelp

Collins, pronounced KOL-inz, is derived from the Anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Coileáin, which comes from the Gaelic name Coileán and Gaelic root cuilén, meaning "young dog" or "whelp."

Camille

Origin: French; Latin; Roman

Meaning: Religious attendant

Camille, pronounced kuh-MEEL, is the French feminine form of the Latin names Camilla and Camillus. In ancient Rome, Camilli were young attendants at religious ceremonies, though its relation to the name is debated.

Camilla

Origin: Latin; Roman

Meaning: Warrior maiden; Religious attendant

Camilla, pronounced kuh-MIL-uh, is the feminine form of the Latin name Camillus, which may refer to young attendants at religious ceremonies. In Roman mythology, Camilla was a swift-footed warrior maiden. 

Celeste

Origin: Roman; Latin; Italian

Meaning: Heavenly; Of the sky

Celeste, pronounced suh-LEST, is the Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and English form of the Late Roman name Caelestis, which is derived from the Latin word caelum, meaning “heaven” or “sky.” It’s also a diminutive of the English word celestial of the same meaning.

Cataleya

Origin: English

Meaning: Cattley’s flower

Cataleya, pronounced cat-uh-LAY-uh, comes directly from the cattleya flower, also known as Corsage Orchid, a popular and showy orchid genus native to tropical America. It was named after British horticulturist William Cattley.

Celine

Origin: French; Roman; Latin

Meaning: Heavenly; Of the sky

Celine, pronounced suh-LEEN, is the French feminine form of the Roman family names Caelinus and Caelius, which are derived from the Latin word caelum (like Celeste), meaning “heaven” or “sky.”

Catherine

Origin: English; Greek

Meaning: Pure; Each of the two

Catherine, pronounced KATH-uh-rin, derives from the Greek name Aikaterine. Its etymology is debated, but it's often associated with the Greek word katharos, meaning "pure." Other theories suggest it comes from the Greek word hekateros, meaning “each of the two.”

Carolina

Origin: Latin; Germanic; American

Meaning: Free woman

Carolina, pronounced kar-uh-LIE-nuh (in American) or kar-oh-LEE-nah (in Spanish or Italian), is the feminine Latinate form of Carolus and Charles, derived from the Germanic name Karl, meaning "free man.” It’s also the name of two American states. 

Carmen

Origin: Spanish; Hebrew

Meaning: Garden; Mountain

Carmen, pronounced KAR-min, is the Spanish form of the Hebrew name Karmel and word karmel, meaning “garden.” Karmel is a mountain in Israel mentioned in the Old Testament. The name appears in the Spanish title of the Virgin Mary “Nuestra Señora del Carmen,” meaning "Our Lady of Mount Carmel.”

Colette

Origin: French; Greek

Meaning: Victory of the people

Colette, pronounced koh-LET, is a French diminutive of Nicole, which is the feminine form of Nicholas. The name ultimately derives from the Greek elements nike, meaning "victory," and laos, meaning "people."

Cameron

Origin: Scottish; Gaelic

Meaning: Crooked nose

Cameron, pronounced KAM-uh-run or KAM-rin, comes from a Scottish surname that’s ultimately derived from the Gaelic elements cam, meaning "crooked," and sròn, meaning "nose." Some parents prefer it spelled Camryn. 

Calliope

Origin: Greek

Meaning: Beautiful voice; Muse of poetry

Calliope, pronounced kuh-LIE-uh-pee, comes from Greek mythology where she was the muse of epic poetry and eloquence. It combines the Greek elements kallos, meaning "beauty," and ops, meaning "voice." 

Cassidy

Origin: Irish; Gaelic

Meaning: Curly-haired

Cassidy, pronounced KASS-ih-dee, comes from the Irish surname Ó Caiside and Gaelic given name Caiside, meaning "descendant of Caiside.” The name Caiside is derived from the Irish word cas, meaning “curly” or “twisted.”

Carter

Origin: English

Meaning: Transporter of goods

Carter, pronounced KAR-ter, is an occupational surname referring to someone who transported goods by cart. Initially a masculine name, it has crossed over to become a unisex option, gaining popularity for girls in the 21st century.

Clementine

Origin: Latin; American

Meaning: Merciful; Gentle

Clementine, pronounced KLEM-en-tine, is derived from the Latin name Clemens and word clemens, meaning "merciful" or "gentle." It gained recognition through the American folk ballad "Oh My Darling, Clementine." 

Capri

Origin: Italian; Latin; Greek

Meaning: Island; Goat; Wild Boar

Capri, pronounced kuh-PREE, takes its name from the beautiful Italian island in the Bay of Naples. The island's name possibly derives from the Latin capri, meaning "goat," or Greek kapros, meaning “wild boar.”

Chaya

Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: Living; Full of life

Chaya, pronounced KHYE-uh or HAY-uh depending on dialect, is considered a feminine form of the Hebrew name Chaim and is believed to be derived from the Hebrew word haya, meaning “to live.” 

Cleo

Origin: Greek

Meaning: Father’s glory; Glory of the father

Cleo, pronounced KLEE-oh, is often used as a nickname for Cleopatra, which comes from the Greek name Kleopatra and is composed of the Greek elements kleos, meaning “glory,” and pater, meaning “father.” 

Cassandra

Origin: Greek

Meaning: She who shines; Shining one

Cassandra, pronounced kuh-SAN-druh, comes from Greek mythology, where Cassandra was a Trojan princess. It could be derived from the Greek elements kekasmai, meaning "to shine,” and aner, meaning "man.” 

Clover

Origin: Old English

Meaning: Meadow flower; Luck; Good fortunr

Clover, pronounced KLOH-ver, is derived from the Old English word clafre, referring to the meadow flower. The four-leaf clover is widely recognized as a symbol of luck, good fortune and positivity. 

Christina

Origin: Latin; Greek

Meaning: Anointed one; Christian

Christina, pronounced kris-TEE-nuh, comes from the Latin name Christiana and is considered a feminine form of Christian, which is ultimately derived from the Greek word christos, meaning "anointed one."

Chelsea

Origin: Old English

Meaning: Landing place for chalk; District in London

Chelsea, pronounced CHEL-see, comes from an Old English place name for a district in London. It’s believed to be derived from the Old English elements caelc, meaning “chalk,” and hythe, meaning “landing place.” 

Chana

Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: Grace; Favor

Chana, pronounced KHAH-nah or HAH-nah depending on dialect, is the modern Hebrew form of Hannah. It derives from the Hebrew word hanan, meaning "grace" or "favor." In the Hebrew Bible, Hannah was the mother of the prophet Samuel.

Cora

Origin: Latin; Greek

Meaning: Maiden; Daughter; Goddess of spring

Cora, pronounced KOR-uh, is the Latinized form of the Greek name Kore, which comes from the Greek word kore, meaning "maiden.” In Greek mythology, Kore was an epithet of Persephone, the goddess of spring.

Coraline

Origin: Latin; English

Meaning: Little coral

Coraline, pronounced KOR-uh-line, was believed to be invented by the French composer Adolphe Adam for his opera “Le Toréador” (1849). It’s likely derived from the Latin word corallium and English word coral, referring to the underwater skeletal deposits that can form reefs. 

Carly

Origin: English; Germanic

Meaning: Free woman

Carly, pronounced KAR-lee, is a variant of Caroline, Carla or Karly, ultimately derived from the Germanic name Karl, meaning "free man" or "strong." It emerged as a standalone name in the mid-20th century.

Carla

Origin: Germanic; Spanish

Meaning: Free woman

Carla, pronounced KAR-luh, is the feminine form of Carlo/Charles, which itself is derived from the Germanic name Karl, meaning "free man.” It’s most popular in Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese-speaking countries. 

Cheyenne

Origin: Native American

Meaning: Red speakers

Cheyenne, pronounced shy-AN, comes from the name of a Native American people of the Great Plains. The word possibly derives from the Sioux term šahíyela, which translates to "red speakers." 

Celia

Origin: Roman; Latin

Meaning: Heavenly; Of the sky

Celia, pronounced SEE-lee-uh, is the feminine form of the Roman name Caelius, which is derived from the Latin word caelum, meaning “heavenly” or “of the sky.” It’s also used as a short form of Cecelia. 

Cielo

Origin: Spanish; Italian

Meaning: Heavenly; Of the sky

Cielo, pronounced see-EH-loh (Spanish) or CHEH-loh (Italian), is derived directly from the Spanish and Italian word for "sky" or "heaven." It shares the same Latin root (caelum) as names like Celeste and Celine. 

Cynthia

Origin: Greek

Meaning: From Cynthus

Cynthia, pronounced SIN-thee-uh, comes from Greek mythology as an epithet of the goddess Artemis, who was said to have been born on Mount Cynthus on the island of Delos with her brother Apollo.

Chandler

Origin: Old French; Latin

Meaning: Candle maker; Candle seller

Chandler, pronounced CHAND-ler, derives from an Old French occupational surname for someone who made or sold candles. It’s derived from the Old French word chandelier and Medieval Latin word candelarius.

Cadence

Origin: Latin; English

Meaning: Falling; Rhythm; Flow

Cadence, pronounced KAY-dens, comes from the Latin word cadentia, meaning "falling," and refers to rhythmic flow, particularly in music or speech. It emerged as a given name in the early 2000s.

Crystal

Origin: Greek; English

Meaning: Ice; Clear gemstone

Crystal, pronounced KRIS-tul, derives from the Greek word krystallos, meaning "ice." It also refers to the English word crystal, referring to the clear, colourless glass, sometimes cut into the shape of a gemstone.

Claudia

Origin: Roman; Latin

Meaning: Lame; Enclosed

Claudia, pronounced KLAW-dee-uh, is the feminine form of the Roman family name Claudius, derived from the Latin word claudus, meaning “lame,” or from claudere, meaning "to enclose."

Cierra

Origin: Spanish

Meaning: Mountain range; Sharp

Cierra, pronounced see-EHR-uh, is a variant spelling of the name Sierra, which comes from the Spanish word sierra, meaning "mountain range" or "saw" (referring to the jagged appearance of mountains).

Corinne

Origin: Greek

Meaning: Maiden; Daughter; Goddess of spring

Corinne, pronounced kuh-RIN or koh-RIN, is derived from the Greek name Korinna, which comes from the Greek word kore, meaning "maiden" or "daughter." In Greek mythology, Kore was an epithet of Persephone, the goddess of spring.

Charisma

Origin: Greek

Meaning: Divine gift; Talent from God; Outgoing

Charisma, pronounced kuh-RIZ-muh, comes directly from the Greek word kharisma, meaning "divine gift" or "talent from God,” which is derived from the Greek word kharis, meaning "grace." Charis was the name of one of three attendants of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty.

Calista

Origin: Greek

Meaning: Most beautiful; Fairest

Calista, pronounced kuh-LIS-tuh, derives from the Greek kallistos, which is the superlative form of kalos meaning "beautiful" — thus "most beautiful" or "fairest." In Greek mythology, Callisto was one of the goddess Artemis' huntress companions.

Charity

Origin: English; Latin

Meaning: Love; Benevolence; Kindness

Charity, pronounced CHAR-ih-tee, comes from the English virtue name derived from the Latin caritas, meaning "generous love" or "benevolence." The word caritas is ultimately derived from the Latin word carus, meaning “beloved.” 

Clara

Origin: Latin

Meaning: Clear; Bright; Famous

Clara, pronounced KLAR-uh, derives from the Latin word clarus meaning "clear," "bright," or "famous." Some parents prefer spelling it the French way, Claire, while others prefer the Italian form Chiara. 

Chiara

Origin: Italian; Latin

Meaning: Clear; Bright; Famous

Chiara, pronounced kee-AH-rah, is the Italian form of the Latin name Clarus, which is derived from the Latin word clarus, meaning "clear," "bright," or "famous." The name was popularized by Saint Clare of Assisi, known as Santa Chiara d'Assisi in Italian.

Claribel

Origin: Latin; Italian

Meaning: Beautiful light; Clearly beautiful

Claribel, pronounced KLAR-ih-bel, is a combination of the Latin element clarus, meaning "clear" or "bright," and the Italian word bella, meaning “beautiful.” Together, it translates to “beautiful light.” 

Calypso

Origin: Greek

Meaning: She who conceals

Calypso, pronounced kuh-LIP-soh, comes from Greek mythology where Calypso was a nymph who fell in love with Odysseus beore detaining him on her island for seven years. The name derives from the Greek word kalypto, meaning "to conceal."

Carys

Origin: Welsh

Meaning: Lovely; Lover

Carys, pronounced KAR-iss, is derived from the Welsh word caru, meaning "to love." It’s a relatively modern Welsh name that grew in popularity in the U.S. after actors Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones named their daughter Carys in 2003.

Cherish

Origin: English; French; Latin

Meaning: Beloved; To hold dear; Treasured

Cherish, pronounced CHER-ish, is an English word name that emerged as a given name in the mid-20th century. It derives from the Old English word cherischen and Old French word chierir, meaning "to hold dear,” ultimately from the Latin word carus, meaning “beloved.” 

Chloe

Origin: Greek

Meaning: Young green shoot; Blooming; Harvest goddess

Chloe, pronounced KLOH-ee, comes from the Greek word khloe, meaning "young green shoot" or "blooming." In Greek mythology, it was an epithet of Demeter, the goddess of the harvest and agriculture. 

Chantelle

Origin: French

Meaning: Stony; Song

Chantelle, pronounced shan-TEL, is a French feminine form derived from the place name Chantilly, meaning “stony.” It has since become associated with the French word chant, meaning “song.” 

Coco

Origin: English

Meaning: Chocolate; Sweet

Coco, pronounced KOH-koh, emerged as a nickname before becoming a standalone name. It gained recognition through fashion designer Coco Chanel (born Gabrielle), but can also be influenced by the word cocoa, a key ingredient in chocolate. 

Cressida

Origin: Greek

Meaning: Golden; Made of gold

Cressida, pronounced KRESS-ih-duh, is derived from the Greek name Chryses, which comes from chryseos, meaning "golden." The name gained literary fame through Shakespeare's play "Troilus and Cressida." 

Camellia

Origin: Latin

Meaning: Perfection; Longevity; Flower

Camellia, pronounced kuh-MEE-lee-uh or kuh-MELL-ee-yuh, comes from the name of a beautiful flowering plant highly revered in Japan. It was named after Georg Josef Kamel, a 17th-century Moravian Jesuit botanist who worked in the Philippines, and symbolizes perfection and longevity. 

Lost Interest in Baby Girl Names That Start With C?

As shown in the list above, baby girl names that start with C have a timeless charm to them. 

Yet, while C names are undeniably beautiful and timeless, they represent just one letter in an alphabet of possibilities — and there are 25 other such letters to explore while naming your baby. 

But that’s where Mod Moms Club comes into play. 

Not only do we frequently publish new and exciting baby name ideas on our baby name blog, but we have a baby name generator that can simplify your search for the perfect girls name for your daughter. 

Whether you’re interested in girl names that start with C or want to venture elsewhere in the alphabet, what matters most is finding a name that feels right for the remarkable journey ahead.