According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are more than 5,163 commonly used first names in the U.S. There are even more worldwide, so choosing one can be a nightmare for those of us who are less than decisive.
A great place to start is by choosing a first letter you love the sound of. There are so many popular baby girl names that start with C. These are the best.
Cadence
Origin: Latin
Musical moms and dads should give some serious consideration to this C baby girl name. Cadence means a sequence of notes or chords that bring a musical phrase to a close.
It’s more modern sounding than older music-themed names like Harmony and Allegra. Cadenza is another fun option.
Caia
Origin: Latin
If your greatest wish for your new baby is for her to be happy, Caia means “to rejoice.” In Roman mythology, Caia was also the name of the goddess of fire and women.
It feels like a fresh take on Maya, which was used so much during the 1990s that it feels a little dated.
Caitlyn
Origin: Greek
Yes, it’s of Greek origin, but Caitlyn is actually a popular name in Ireland, and it’s often used as a variation of Catherine. It translates to “darling” and “pure of heart.”
There are several spellings of Caitlyn, so feel free to get creative.
Calia
Origin: Italian
Calia is a nickname stemming from the medieval Greek word “kaleas,” which means good and beautiful one.
The name is most popular in Southern Italy, but there’s no reason not to bring it to the States.
Callie
Origin: Greek
Callie sounds similar to Calia, but it’s actually a shortened version of the longer “Callista,” meaning beautiful.
Many people opt to skip the longer name and use Callie as a stand-alone name. It’s also commonly spelled “Kallie” or “Calli.”
Callista
Origin: Latin
Speaking of Callista, it’s a variant of the name Calista, which is of Greek and Latin origin. It means “beautiful” or “fairest one.”
If that sounds superficial, it doesn’t have to. Beauty comes in many forms, and Callistas are beautiful inside and out.
Cambria
Origin: Welsh
The name Cambria has Latin roots, and it primarily refers to the country of Wales and its people.
It’s an awesome name for anyone with Welsh heritage, but Cambria is also a beautiful town on the coast of California.
Camden
Origin: Scottish, Irish
While Camden used to be a boy’s name, now it’s used for both boys and girls. It’s from the name of a place in Scotland, and it translates to “winding valley.”
It has a strong, grounded sound to it, reflecting its earthy roots.
Camila
Origin: Portuguese
Camila is a Spanish version of the Roman name “Camilla.” Meaning “helper to the priest,” in Roman myths, Camilla was a warrior maiden who dedicated her life to serving the goddess Diana.
The name has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly since singer Camila Cabello was discovered on “The X Factor.” In fact, it now ranks in the top 20 on the Social Security Administration’s list of names for girls.
Carina
Origin: Latin
Carina is a variation of the Italian name “Cara,” which means beloved. Carina is used as a term of endearment in several cultures, particularly Italian and Scandinavian. In Ireland, it also means “friend.”
This baby girl name that starts with C also has a connection to the heavens. Carina is the name of a constellation in the night sky, which includes Canopus, one of the brightest stars ever recorded.
Carly
Origin: Latin
The spirited sounding C baby name Carly means “free man,” and it fits. Carlys are free spirits, ready for adventure whenever the opportunity arises.
There are several famous Carlys, like singers Carly Simon and Carly Rae Jepsen.
Caroline
Origin: German
The name Caroline, like Carly, means “free man.” Caroline was the name of George II’s wife, Caroline of Anspach, in the 1700s.
It took off in England and other English-speaking countries, becoming a classic C baby name. It was even chosen by John F. Kennedy and Jackie for their daughter.
Popular variations of Caroline include Carolyn and Carolina.
Cassie
Origin: British
The name Cassandra is beautiful, but it’s also a mouthful. Its short version, Cassie, is much more popular.
Cassandra was a Trojan prophetess who predicted the fall of Troy in Homer’s “The Illiad,” and the name represents one with great wisdom and power.
Cassie is the most popular nickname for Cassandra, and it can also be used as a nickname for Katherine.
Catalina
Origin: Greek
Catalina is the Spanish form of Catherine, meaning pure. It’s a nice alternative to the more common baby girl name Caitlin, referring to Saint Catalina, a patron saint of Italy.
Santa Catalina is also a beautiful island just off the coast of Southern California that’s known for its beautiful snorkeling and scuba diving spots.
Celeste
Origin: French
What better name for your precious baby angel than Celeste? It means “heavenly,” and it has a nice vintage ring to it.
In the French children’s book series “Babar the Elephant,” Celeste is the Queen of Celesteville, the capital of the elephant kingdom.
Celina
Origin: Latin
For a baby girl name starting with C that has a smooth, melodic sound, try Celina.
Its Greek and Latin roots translate to “the moon” or “the heavens.”
Chanel
Origin: French
Chanel might seem like an odd name if you pronounce it like the English word “channel,” but it’s actually pronounced sha-NELL. Think French designer Coco Chanel.
It means “one who lives near the canal,” but today, it’s more of a reminder of high fashion and designer perfume than waterways.
Charlie
Origin: German
Charlie, like Caroline, means “free man.” This girl name starting with C has such a friendly, cheerful sound to it that’s impossible not to love.
It’s a unisex name, and it has been used by dozens of celebrities. It’s also a shoutout to the renowned Charlie Chaplin.
Charlotte
Origin: French
Yet another C baby girl name meaning “free man,” Charlotte, the feminine form of Charles, has been around in England for centuries. It’s currently ranked number eight in popularity thanks to the adorable Princess Charlotte of Cambridge.
It’s also the name of famous author Charlotte Brontë and the heroine from E.B. White’s classic story “Charlotte’s Web.”
Chelsea
Origin: British
The exact meaning of the British baby girl name Chelsea is hazy, but it refers to a wharf in England where ships used to unload cargoes of chalk. The area is known as an artsy town that’s popular for tourists to visit.
While it was most popular in the early 1990s, Chelsea remains a great baby name. Baby Chelseas can look forward to sharing their name with the likes of Chelsea Handler and Chelsea Clinton.
Cheyenne
Origin: Native American, specifically Sioux
While Cheyenne became a popular American name during the 1990s, its roots are actually from the Sioux people.
The Cheyenne tribe was a prominent Native American tribe, and the name means “people of a different language.”
Chloe
Origin: French
Ah, Chloe. We couldn’t write a list of baby girl names starting with C without including Chloe. The name means “blooming” and was often associated with fertility in ancient Greece.
While Khloe Kardashian might be the most well-known Chloe today, there have been many notable Chloe’s throughout history.
Christine
Origin: Latin
Christine is an old name that traditionally means “follower of Christ.”
Because of its religious ties, it’s popular across many cultures that practice Christianity, and it remains a common name in Ireland, Scotland, Holland and Germany.
Claire
Origin: French
French names are both fashionable and elegant, and Claire is no exception.
The traditional French baby girl name translates to “clear and bright.”
Clarity
Origin: English
All names have meaning, but some girl names that start with C have a more obvious meaning than others.
The meaning of the name Clarity is crystal clear, and the inspiring title can be shortened to Clara for a cute nickname.
Clementine
Origin: French
The French baby girl name Clementine is one of the more unique baby names starting with C.
It means merciful, and it’s also the name given to an especially sweet variety of orange.
Coco
Origin: Spanish
Coco is a Spanish name with flavor and spice.
While it originally came from the word “cocoa,” the bean responsible for the existence of chocolate, it’s better known as the name of Coco Chanel, a world-renowned fashion designer.
Coraline
Origin: Latin
Coraline, meaning “pearl” in French and Dutch, is also a variation of the name “Coral.” In America, it’s also synonymous with “heart.”
Coraline is the name of the heroine of a popular, albeit spooky, animated movie, who was extremely brave and determined.
Coraline can also be shortened to “Cora.”
Corinne
Origin: French
If you’re searching for a name that sounds like Coraline but without the eerie, button-eyed imposter association, consider Corinne.
The name has French and Greek roots meaning “maiden,” and it’s still a popular name in France.
Cynthia
Origin: Greek
For a girl name starting with C that has a powerful, old-world feel, Cynthia is the way to go. It comes from the Greek word for “moon goddess.” It doesn’t get much more powerful than that. In Greek mythology, it was an epithet for Artemis.
While it was overused in the 1950s and 1960s, Cynthia and its shortened form, Cindy, are making a comeback.
Fun fact: Both Cyndi Lauper and Cindy Crawford were born Cynthia.