Baby Girl Names That Begin with C

Popular, Classic, and Unusual Female Name Choices

Jan 16, 2008

A Cute Baby Girl, Dee Kull, Morguefile.com

Claire? Cameron? Cassandra? Here are some classic, unique, and trendy names for baby girls that start with the letter C.

The letter "C" is a hot choice for baby girl names. While "J" was the letter of the day in the 1970s and 1980s (Jennifer, Jessica, Julie, and so forth), names beginning with "C' and "K" have become among the most trendy. If you're looking for a name that starts with C for your little girl, here are some popular, classic, and trendy choices to consider.

Popular & Trendy Baby Girl Names That Start With C

Chloe. If you've noticed lots of Chloes on the playground lately, you're not imagining things. According to the U.S. Social Security Baby Name Index, Chloe climbed from the 161st position on the name popularity chart in 1992 to #18 in 2006. Because of its old-fashioned appeal, parents may be choosing Choe for the same reason that names like Isabella, Emma, and Ava have shot to the top of the charts. Chloe originates from a Greek word that means "blooming," and it's commonly used in French.
Cameron & Camryn. Perhaps due to two actresses (Diaz and Manheim), these names have become quite trendy. The more popular Cameron follows the popular androgynous name trend, and Camryn is the feminized spelling. The name comes from a Gaelic expression that means "crooked stream."
Caitlyn. This variation of Catherine has leaped to the top of the name charts since the late 1980s. It's most commonly spelled with a K-- Kaitlyn-- but this name can be found in any C and K combination imaginable-- Catelyn, Caitlin, Katelyn, and so forth. Like the name Catherine, these names derive from a Greek name that means "pure."
Carson. This last-name-turned-first-name is climbing the ranks quickly. Its origins are unknown.
Courtney. This name leapt to popularity in the 1990s, along with Ashley and Brittany. Ashley's still at the head of the pack and Brittany has nose-dived, but Courtney's holding a happy medium in between. The name derives from an Old French place name.

Classic Baby Girl Names That Start With C

Catherine/Catharine. Along with the "K" spellings of this name (especially Katherine), this is one of the most classic and enduring names in the world. Variations of Catherine are popular in many countries, and the nicknames Kate, Katie, and Cathy have a life of their own. Katherine evolves from a Greek name that means "pure."
Christina & Christine. Like Catherine, this classic Christian name has enduring popularity. Christine was the more popular choice in the 1970s, but now Christina reigns.
Carolyn, Caroline, & Carol. Carol sounds a little outdated (think Carol Brady), but Carolyn and Caroline both have a classically regal feel, perhaps thanks to the Kennedy women with these names. Caroline is the highest ranked on the charts, ranking at #86 in 2006. The nickname Carrie was popular throughout almost all of the twentieth century, but it has lost favor-- perhaps surprisingly, due to the popularity of Sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw. These names derive from an Old German name that means "freeholder."
Charlotte. Speaking of Sex and the City, Charlotte also is not on top of the name charts in the U.S., although it's one of the most popular names in Great Britain. It's climbing though-- at #123 in 2006-- and may join the ranks of trendy old-fashioned names. Charlotte derives from the same German word for "freeholder" as does Carol.
Claire & Clara. These old-fashioned names have a chic mystique, and may receive a boost from unbreakable cheerleader Claire Bennett from the popular Heroes. These names derive from a Latin expression that means "brilliant." Clarissa is a more uncommon alternative.
Chelsea. The most distinctive of the first daughter names (sorry, Jenna), Chelsea was in the top 20 list in the 1990s but has fallen steadily. Chelsea is most notable as a place name.
Cynthia & Cindy. These Baby Boomer names have fallen out of vogue in recent years, but unlike Boomer names like Linda and Barbara, they don't sound terribly dated. These names derive from an English place name.

Unusual Baby Girl Names That Start with C

Cassandra & Cassidy. Cassandra had a brief surge of popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, but is quickly falling down the list. Cassidy is slowly climbing in the other direction. In Greek mythology, Cassandra was a prophetess that no one believed-- a sad origin for a beautiful name. Cassidy originates from a Gaelic name meaning "curly-headed" and is also a first-name-turned-last-name.
Cora and Coral. As parents seek out pretty old-fashioned names that haven't been overused, these two undernoticed names may experience a comeback. Cora is from a Greek name meaning "hummingbird," and Coral is from a Hebrew name meaning "fate or destiny." Coretta is a pretty choice as well and the name of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s impressive wife..
Callie. With all the Kaylees out there, it's surprisingly that this simple and pretty name hasn't become the rage. It has a great meaning too, as it comes from a Greek word that means "lovely." Carly is a similar name that seems like it should be more popular.
Clarity. With all the Claires out there-- plus all the Faiths, Hopes, and Graces-- perhaps this lovely name will take off.