Baby girl names beginning with C captivate with their timeless elegance and versatility. Classic choices like Charlotte ("free woman") and Claire ("bright, clear") have graced generations with their refined charm, while modern favorites such as Cora ("maiden") and Chloe ("blooming") add fresh, youthful energy. The letter C offers an exceptional range of styles—from the vintage sophistication of Cecilia ("blind") to the nature-inspired sweetness of Clementine ("merciful"). Many C names carry literary and historical weight (think Catherine the Great or Cosette from Les Misérables), while others like Callie ("most beautiful") and Celia ("heavenly") exude effortless grace. Whether you love the royal resonance of Caroline, the whimsy of Coraline, or the crisp simplicity of Clara, C names provide a harmonious blend of tradition and trendiness—perfect for parents seeking a name with both substance and style.
Baby Girl Names That Start With C
Chic, classic, and often celestial, baby girl names that start with C sparkle with character and charm. Whether you’re drawn to sweet and soft names like Clara or bold and mythical ones like Calliope. This list of 50 girl names that begin with C will bring inspiration and love to your baby's name.
See All the Names1. Charlotte
Origin: French
Meaning: Free woman
Description: Charlotte is a regal yet approachable name with French origins meaning "free woman." While traditionally feminine, its strong meaning and nickname "Charlie" make it increasingly gender-neutral. This timeless name balances classic elegance with modern versatility, perfect for parents seeking a name with royal heritage (think Queen Charlotte) and contemporary charm. Its popularity across centuries speaks to its enduring grace.
2. Chloe
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Blooming
Description: Chloe is a fresh, vibrant name of Greek origin meaning "blooming." Its sweet, youthful energy makes it perfect for spring babies or parents who love nature-inspired names. With mythological ties to Demeter and appearances in literature, Chloe combines playful charm with artistic sophistication. The name's soft vowel ending gives it a melodic, timeless quality that transcends trends.
3. Camila
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Young ceremonial attendant
Description: Camila is a romantic, flowing name with Latin roots meaning "young ceremonial attendant." Its multicultural appeal (popular in English, Spanish, and Portuguese) and elegant cadence make it globally beloved. The name suggests both grace and strength, with historical ties to Roman mythology and modern celebrity associations. Nicknames like "Cami" add playful versatility.
4. Clara
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Bright, clear
Description: Clara is a luminous classic name meaning "bright" or "clear." Its simplicity and vintage charm recall turn-of-the-century elegance while feeling completely modern. The name's clarity of sound and meaning makes it ideal for parents seeking something both substantial and delicate. Notable namesakes like Clara Barton and Clara Schumann give it historical depth.
5. Cora
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Maiden
Description: Cora is a vintage gem with Greek origins meaning "maiden." Short yet powerful, it combines mythological roots (as an alternative name for Persephone) with literary charm (appearing in James Fenimore Cooper's novels). Its single-syllable strength makes it perfect for modern parents who appreciate names that are both ancient and effortlessly cool.
6. Catalina
Origin: Spanish
Meaning: Pure
Description: Catalina is the exotic Spanish variation of Catherine, meaning "pure." Its rhythmic four-syllable flow evokes images of the glamorous Santa Catalina island and Spanish royalty. The name offers sophistication with nickname options like "Lina" or "Cata," making it adaptable for both formal and casual use. Perfect for parents wanting global flair.
7. Celeste
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Heavenly
Description: Celeste is an ethereal name meaning "heavenly." Its soft consonants and celestial meaning create an aura of delicate beauty. The name suggests both artistic sensitivity (like the color "celeste blue") and scientific wonder (in astronomy terms). It's ideal for parents seeking a name that's graceful yet substantial, with a timeless, otherworldly quality.
8. Cecilia
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Blind to one's own beauty
Description: Cecilia is a musical, romantic name with Latin origins. Its meaning - "blind to one's own beauty" - suggests humble grace, while its association with the patron saint of music gives it artistic prestige. The name flows beautifully and offers nickname options ("Cece," "Celia"), making it both formal and friendly. A perfect choice for music-loving families.
9. Callie
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Beautiful
Description: Callie is a sunny, spirited name derived from Greek meaning "beautiful." Its -ie ending gives it approachable charm, while roots in names like Calliope add mythological depth. The name strikes a perfect balance between playful and sophisticated, working well for both children and adults. It's particularly lovely for parents who value names that are cheerful yet substantial.
10. Clementine
Origin: French
Meaning: Mild, merciful
Description: Clementine is a vintage charmer meaning "mild" or "merciful." Its citrusy associations bring brightness, while its French origins lend sophistication. The name offers whimsy ("Oh My Darling" folk song) and substance (several saints), with cute nickname potential ("Clem," "Tiny"). Ideal for parents seeking a name that's both quirky and classic.
11. Cassidy
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Curly-haired
Description: Cassidy is a lively unisex name of Irish origin meaning "curly-haired." Its surname-style vibe gives it modern edge, while the melodic -dy ending keeps it approachable. The name works equally well for boys and girls, offering playful nicknames like "Cass" or "Sid." Perfect for parents who want something spirited with Celtic roots.
12. Colette
Origin: French
Meaning: Victory of the people
Description: Colette is a chic French name meaning "victory of the people." Its literary prestige (author Colette) and Parisian elegance make it sophisticated yet wearable. The name's concise, clean lines give it modern appeal, while its vintage roots keep it timeless. A gorgeous choice for parents who appreciate names with artistic and feminist heritage.
13. Carmen
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Song
Description: Carmen is a passionate, melodic name meaning "song." Its Latin roots and Spanish flair create instant drama, while the opera and literary associations add cultural depth. The name works across languages and cultures, offering both fiery energy ("Carmen" the opera) and sweet simplicity. Ideal for music-loving families or those wanting a name with international appeal.
14. Coraline
Origin: French
Meaning: Coral
Description: Coraline is a whimsical literary name meaning "coral." Made famous by Neil Gaiman's novel, it blends vintage charm ("Cora") with contemporary fantasy appeal. The name suggests both delicate beauty (like coral) and adventurous spirit (the brave protagonist). Perfect for parents who love names with storybook magic and natural elements.
15. Celine
Origin: French
Meaning: Heavenly
Description: Celine is an effortlessly elegant French name meaning "heavenly." Its association with singer Céline Dion gives it glamorous appeal, while the clean, simple spelling keeps it accessible. The name strikes a perfect balance between European sophistication and universal likability. A beautiful choice for parents who want something chic but not overly complicated.
16. Charlee
Origin: English
Meaning: Free man
Description: Charlee is a playful, modern spelling of the unisex name meaning "free man." Its -ee ending gives it youthful energy, while maintaining the strength of traditional "Charlie." The name works wonderfully for girls and boys, offering both tomboyish charm and gender-neutral appeal. Perfect for parents who want something spirited and contemporary.
17. Clover
Origin: English
Meaning: Lucky plant
Description: Clover is a fresh, botanical name symbolizing luck. Its cheerful vibe and nature connection make it perfect for parents seeking something uncommon yet familiar. The name suggests both whimsy (four-leaf clovers) and earthy substance, with a sweet, open sound. A lovely choice for families who value nature names with positive symbolism.
18. Cassandra
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Shining upon man
Description: Cassandra is a powerful classical name meaning "shining upon man." Its mythological roots (the Trojan prophetess) give it intellectual weight, while nicknames like "Cassie" keep it friendly. The name offers both historical significance and modern versatility, making it ideal for parents who want something substantial with nickname options.
19. Claudia
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Lame
Description: Claudia is a strong, vintage name with Latin origins. While its ancient meaning ("lame") is less relevant today, its association with Roman nobility gives it timeless elegance. The name's crisp consonants and sophisticated aura make it perfect for parents who appreciate classical names with a no-nonsense beauty.
20. Calixta
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Most beautiful
Description: Calixta is a rare, dramatic name meaning "most beautiful." Its exotic flair and strong x sound create instant impact, while roots in Greek mythology add depth. The name offers a bold alternative to more common "Calista," perfect for parents seeking something distinctive with classical heritage.
21. Carys
Origin: Welsh
Meaning: Love
Description: Carys is a delicate Welsh name simply meaning "love." Its soft consonants and heartfelt meaning make it endlessly appealing. The name's Celtic origins give it lyrical quality, while its simplicity keeps it modern. A beautiful choice for parents who want something meaningful but not overly elaborate.
22. Cleo
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Pride, glory
Description: Cleo is a short, powerful name meaning "pride" or "glory." Its ancient associations (Cleopatra) give it regal weight, while its brevity makes it effortlessly cool. The name works beautifully as a standalone or nickname, perfect for parents who want something strong yet simple with historical resonance.
23. Cynthia
Origin: Greek
Meaning: From Mount Cynthus
Description: Cynthia is a classical name with celestial connections, referring to the moon goddess Artemis. Its vintage charm is ready for revival, offering nickname options like "Cindy" or "Thea." The name suggests both mythological grandeur and approachable warmth, ideal for parents who appreciate names with literary and historical depth.
24. Cadence
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Rhythm, flow
Description: Cadence is a musical modern name meaning "rhythm." Its stylish -ence ending gives it contemporary flair, while the musical meaning adds artistic appeal. The name works well for creative families or those who value names with movement and energy. A fresh alternative to more common musical names like Melody.
25. Cambria
Origin: Welsh
Meaning: Wales
Description: Cambria is a strong, place-based name meaning "Wales." Its melodic three-syllable rhythm and Celtic origins give it poetic quality, while the geographic connection adds substance. The name offers a unique alternative to similar-sounding names like "Camilla," perfect for parents who want something distinctive with cultural roots.
26. Calista
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Most beautiful
Description: Calista is an elegant Greek name meaning "most beautiful," famously borne by actress Calista Flockhart. Its melodic three-syllable rhythm and classical roots give it timeless sophistication, while the "calli-" prefix connects it to other beautiful Greek names like Calliope. This rare gem offers both ancient prestige and modern glamour.
27. Camellia
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Flower name
Description: Camellia is a lush botanical name for the elegant flowering shrub. More distinctive than Lily or Rose, it shares its name with the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) and boasts literary credentials from Dumas' "La Dame aux Camélias." The name blooms with Southern charm and vintage refinement.
28. Cynthia-Rose
Origin: Greek-English
Meaning: Moon goddess + flower
Description: Cynthia-Rose beautifully blends celestial and earthly imagery. The first half honors the moon goddess Artemis (from Mount Cynthus), while "Rose" adds floral softness. This hyphenated name offers lyrical flow and romantic duality - perfect for parents who want both mythological depth and natural sweetness.
29. Celinea
Origin: Invented
Meaning: Derived from Celine
Description: Celinea is a modern invented variation of Celine, adding an ethereal "-ea" suffix that recalls names like Linnea. The name maintains Celine's heavenly meaning while gaining extra melodic flow, creating a fresh alternative that feels both familiar and distinctive.
30. Callista
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Fairest
Description: Callista is the more elaborate form of Calista, with an extra syllable that enhances its lyrical quality. This Greek name meaning "fairest" has an almost musical rhythm, offering nickname options like Callie while maintaining its regal, feminine presence. A gorgeous choice for lovers of classical names.
31. Charisma
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Divine gift
Description: Charisma boldly carries its meaning as a given name. This Greek word name suggests magnetic charm and special grace, making it perfect for parents who want a name that celebrates unique personality. While unconventional, it fits with modern virtue names and has cute nickname potential ("Riss").
32. Chesney
Origin: English
Meaning: Oak grove
Description: Chesney is a nature-inspired surname-name meaning "oak grove." Its similarity to trendy names like Chelsea gives it familiar appeal, while the strong oak association provides earthy substance. The name works well for boys or girls, offering a fresh alternative to more common tree names.
33. Caylin
Origin: American
Meaning: Modern invented name
Description: Caylin is a contemporary invented name blending sounds from Kayla and Lynn. Its bright, vowel-heavy construction feels playful and approachable, perfect for parents seeking something modern yet not too unusual. The name's flexibility allows for various spellings (Cailyn, Kailyn) to personalize it.
34. Chantelle
Origin: French
Meaning: Singer
Description: Chantelle is the French form of Cantella, meaning "singer." Its melodic flow lives up to its musical meaning, while the "-elle" ending gives it feminine elegance. Popular in the 1980s-90s, this name is ready for revival with its chic Parisian flair and nickname options ("Channy").
35. Cyra
Origin: Persian
Meaning: Throne, sun
Description: Cyra is a radiant Persian name meaning both "throne" and "sun." Its short, powerful sound (SY-ra) gives it modern appeal, while the royal and solar meanings provide rich significance. This uncommon gem offers a multicultural alternative to similar names like Kyra or Zara.
36. Caitriona
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Pure
Description: Caitriona is the Irish Gaelic form of Catherine, pronounced "ka-TREE-na." Its lyrical four-syllable flow and Celtic heritage make it a distinctive choice. While traditional in Ireland, it feels fresh and exotic elsewhere, perfect for parents wanting an authentic Irish name with timeless purity.
37. Chava
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Life
Description: Chava is the original Hebrew form of Eve, meaning "life." Its simple, earthy sound and biblical roots give it spiritual depth, while the uncommon "Ch-" beginning makes it distinctive. This name beautifully honors tradition while feeling grounded and approachable.
38. Clarity
Origin: English
Meaning: Clearness
Description: Clarity is a luminous virtue name that's both meaningful and melodic. Unlike more common virtue names, it remains rare while being instantly understandable. The name suggests wisdom, transparency and peaceful strength - perfect for parents who value names with positive affirmations.
39. Capri
Origin: Italian
Meaning: Italian island
Description: Capri evokes the glamorous Italian isle with its azure waters and rugged cliffs. This place name has gained popularity as a given name, offering sunny, carefree vibes. Its similarity to the word "caprice" adds a playful, spontaneous energy, while remaining chic and sophisticated.
40. Carmella
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Garden
Description: Carmella is a lush Hebrew name meaning "garden," related to Carmel. Its melodic three-syllable rhythm and "-ella" ending give it romantic charm. The name offers vintage appeal (popular in early 20th century) with nickname options like "Mella" or "Cara."
41. Calypso
Origin: Greek
Meaning: To conceal
Description: Calypso is a mythical name from Homer's Odyssey, belonging to the nymph who detained Odysseus. The name's exotic rhythm and mythological roots give it magical appeal, while its musical meaning (a Caribbean style) adds joyful movement. A bold choice for artistic, free-spirited families.
42. Cindra
Origin: English
Meaning: Moon woman
Description: Cindra is a modern invented name blending "Cynthia" (moon goddess) with the fiery suffix "-dra." Its silvery sound and lunar meaning create an ethereal vibe, while the similarity to Cinderella adds fairy tale charm. This rare gem sparkles with celestial magic.
43. Cassia
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Cinnamon
Description: Cassia is an aromatic name for the cinnamon-like spice tree. More distinctive than Cassandra but equally melodic, it offers natural warmth and exotic flair. The name's biblical appearances and golden-brown color associations give it rich sensory appeal - sweet, spicy and visually warm.
44. Charmaine
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Song
Description: Charmaine is a melodic name with French elegance, derived from the Latin for "song." Its vintage charm (popular in 1940s-50s) is ready for revival, offering graceful femininity and musicality. The name suggests both artistic sensitivity and timeless grace.
45. Cerise
Origin: French
Meaning: Cherry
Description: Cerise is the French word for "cherry," pronounced seh-REEZ. This juicy, vibrant name offers Parisian sophistication with a playful twist. Its similarity to the color cerise (deep pinkish-red) adds visual appeal, making it perfect for parents who love color names with European flair.
46. Clarabelle
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Bright and beautiful
Description: Clarabelle combines Clara ("bright") with Belle ("beautiful") for double the luminous meaning. This whimsical name has vintage charm (popular in early 1900s) and cowgirl spunk (from Disney's Clarabelle Cow). Perfect for parents who want something cheerful with old-fashioned sweetness.
47. Crisanta
Origin: Spanish
Meaning: Golden flower
Description: Crisanta is a radiant Spanish name meaning "golden flower." Its floral meaning and "-anta" ending give it romantic, almost magical quality. The name offers a distinctive alternative to Christina, with sunny, botanical charm and Hispanic heritage.
48. Cheska
Origin: Slavic
Meaning: Free
Description: Cheska is a zippy Slavic nickname-name meaning "free." Its energetic "ch-" beginning and "-ska" ending give it European flair, while the short, punchy sound keeps it modern. This name works well as a standalone or nickname for Francesca, offering spunk and independence.
49. Celina
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Heavenly
Description: Celina is a smooth, soft variation of Selena/Celine, meaning "heavenly." Its delicate three-syllable flow and celestial meaning create an ethereal vibe, while the spelling keeps it accessible across languages. A lovely choice for parents who want something divine but not overly elaborate.
50. Calliope
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Beautiful voice
Description: Calliope is the name of the Greek muse of epic poetry, meaning "beautiful voice." Its four-syllable grandeur and "calli-" prefix ("beautiful") make it richly meaningful, while nicknames like Callie keep it wearable. A perfect choice for creative families who love mythological names with artistic significance.
