125+ *Modern* Boy Names That Start with C

Love the strong feel of  boy names that start with c, but haven’t found the *one*? I’ve scoured through *thousands* of baby names and these are my top picks  for 2026 –

Indie Boy Names Starting with C

Looking for individuality and artistic style with our lineup of indie boy names starting with C, each one a unique and free-spirited choice for your little trendsetter.

Caldwell

• Origin: Old English (place name/surname)
• Pronunciation: KAWLD-wel · ˈkɔːldwɛl
• Meaning: cold spring or well
• Popularity: #6,209 and rising (#9,901 → #6,209, 2024)

Coe

• Origin: English (surname, from Middle/Old English word for ‘jackdaw’)
• Pronunciation: KOH · koʊ
• Meaning: jackdaw (a bird)
• Popularity: #4,902 and rising (#5,103 → #4,902, 2024)

Cruz

• Origin: Spanish
• Pronunciation: KROOZ · ˈkruːz
• Meaning: cross
• Popularity: #303 and rising (#329 → #303, 2024)

Crosley

• Origin: English (surname)
• Pronunciation: KRAWZ-lee · ˈkrɔːzli
• Meaning: clearing by a cross
• Popularity: #12,409 and falling (#9,112 → #12,409, 2024)

Cirrus

• Origin: Latin
• Pronunciation: SEER-us · ˈsɪrəs
• Meaning: curl, tuft of hair
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Chester

• Origin: English (from Latin, via Old English)
• Pronunciation: CHES-ter · ˈʧɛstər
• Meaning: from Latin castrum (‘fort/camp’), via Old English, referring to a fortified Roman town
• Popularity: #1,650 and rising (#1,729 → #1,650, 2024)

Carrington

• Origin: English (place name/surname, Old English personal name + -ing + tūn)
• Pronunciation: KAIR-ing-tun · ˈkærɪŋtən
• Meaning: settlement of a named person’s people (place-name/surname transferred to given-name use, no independent lexical meaning)
• Popularity: #7,828 and falling (#7,358 → #7,828, 2024)

Crosby

• Origin: Old Norse
• Pronunciation: KROZ-bee · ˈkrɔːzbi
• Meaning: settlement by the cross
• Popularity: #1,198 and falling (#1,051 → #1,198, 2024)

Popular Boy Names That Start with C

Dive into the well-loved favorites with our collection of popular boy names starting with C, offering timeless choices that have captured hearts for generations.

Caleb

• Origin: Hebrew
• Pronunciation: KAY-leb · ˈkeɪləb
• Meaning: faithful, devoted
• Popularity: #49 and rising (#51 → #49, 2024)

Calvin

• Origin: French (Norman-Picard), from Latin calvus “bald”
• Pronunciation: KAL-vin · ˈkælvɪn
• Meaning: little bald one (from a nickname for a bald person)
• Popularity: #140 and rising (#152 → #140, 2024)

Cameron

• Origin: Scottish Gaelic
• Pronunciation: KAM-er-un · ˈkæmərən
• Meaning: crooked nose (Gaelic cam “crooked/bent” + sròn “nose”)
• Popularity: #66 and falling (#58 → #66, 2024)

Carter

• Origin: English (occupational surname)
• Pronunciation: KAR-ter · ˈkɑːrtər
• Meaning: one who drove/operated a cart (occupational surname)
• Popularity: #45 and rising (#48 → #45, 2024)

Charles

• Origin: Germanic
• Pronunciation: CHARLZ · ˈtʃɑːrlz
• Meaning: free man
• Popularity: #51 and rising (#54 → #51, 2024)

Christian

• Origin: Latin
• Pronunciation: KRIS-chun · ˈkrɪstʃən
• Meaning: follower of Christ (‘the anointed one’)
• Popularity: #77, holding steady (2024)

Christopher

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: KRIS-tuh-fur · ˈkrɪstəfər
• Meaning: Christ-bearer, from the legend of Saint Christopher
• Popularity: #61 and falling (#55 → #61, 2024)

Colton

• Origin: English (place name)
• Pronunciation: KOHL-tun · ˈkoʊltən
• Meaning: coal town / dark settlement
• Popularity: #98 and falling (#94 → #98, 2024)

Connor

• Origin: Irish
• Pronunciation: KON-er · ˈkɑːnər
• Meaning: lover of hounds
• Popularity: #136 and falling (#126 → #136, 2024)

Cooper

• Origin: English (occupational surname)
• Pronunciation: KOO-per · ˈkuːpər
• Meaning: barrel maker
• Popularity: #50 and rising (#52 → #50, 2024)

Country Boy Names That Start with C

Saddle up for a touch of Southern charm as we bring you a roundup of country boy names that start with C, channeling down-home vibes and a hint of rustic flair.

Cash

• Origin: English (surname, variant of Case); also Americanized German (Kirch/Kirsch)
• Pronunciation: KASH · ˈkæʃ
• Meaning: surname origin, not from the word for money; a variant of Case, or an Americanized German immigrant surname (Kirch ‘church’ or Kirsch ‘cherry’)
• Popularity: #316 and falling (#289 → #316, 2024)

Coby

• Origin: Hebrew (via Jacob)
• Pronunciation: KOH-bee · ˈkoʊbi
• Meaning: supplanter
• Popularity: #1,590 and falling (#1,497 → #1,590, 2024)

Cole

• Origin: English (Middle English)
• Pronunciation: KOHL · ˈkoʊl
• Meaning: coal-black, swarthy
• Popularity: #162 and falling (#155 → #162, 2024)

Colson

• Origin: English (surname)
• Pronunciation: KOHL-sen · ˈkoʊlsən
• Meaning: son of Col, a medieval short form of Nicholas
• Popularity: #353 and falling (#345 → #353, 2024)

Covey

• Origin: English (surname)
• Pronunciation: KUH-vee · ˈkʌvi
• Meaning: from the hollow in the valley
• Popularity: #4,082 and rising (#5,105 → #4,082, 2024)

Chase

• Origin: English (surname)
• Pronunciation: CHAYSS · ˈtʃeɪs
• Meaning: from the English surname Chase, an occupational nickname for a hunter
• Popularity: #173 and falling (#154 → #173, 2024)

Connery

• Origin: Irish (surname, variant of Conroy)
• Pronunciation: KON-er-ee · ˈkɒnəri
• Meaning: a daring man
• Popularity: #12,503 as of 2013 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Coy

• Origin: uncertain (possibly the English word ‘coy, ‘ or a short form of the surname McCoy)
• Pronunciation: KOY · kɔɪ
• Meaning: from the woods
• Popularity: #1,507 and rising (#1,650 → #1,507, 2024)

Clay

• Origin: English (Old English clǣġ)
• Pronunciation: KLAY · ˈkleɪ
• Meaning: clay, earth; occupational surname for a clay-worker
• Popularity: #543 and rising (#581 → #543, 2024)

Colby

• Origin: Old Norse/English (place name)
• Pronunciation: KOHL-bee · ˈkoʊlbi
• Meaning: coal town, or Koli’s settlement
• Popularity: #582 and rising (#606 → #582, 2024)

Corbett

• Origin: Anglo-Norman French (surname/nickname)
• Pronunciation: KOR-bit · ˈkɔːrbɪt
• Meaning: little crow/raven — originally a nickname for someone dark-haired or dark-complexioned
• Popularity: #8,424 and falling (#5,988 → #8,424, 2024)

Coleson

• Origin: English (patronymic, variant of Colson: Cole + son)
• Pronunciation: KOHL-sun · ˈkoʊlsən
• Meaning: son of Cole (a medieval pet form of Nicholas)
• Popularity: #915, holding steady (2024)

Unique Boy Names That Start with C

Looking for something a bit different? Browse this list of unique boy names that start with C, each offering a distinct and memorable choice for your little one.

Crew

• Origin: Welsh (via the place name Crewe, Cheshire)
• Pronunciation: KROO · ˈkruː
• Meaning: weir — a river dam or fish-trap
• Popularity: #250 and rising (#260 → #250, 2024)

Caden

• Origin: modern coinage (English)
• Pronunciation: KAY-dun · ˈkeɪdən
• Meaning: spirit of battle
• Popularity: #211 and falling (#198 → #211, 2024)

Camden

• Origin: English (Old English place name)
• Pronunciation: KAM-dun · ˈkæmdən
• Meaning: enclosed valley (Old English camp “enclosure” + denu “valley”)
• Popularity: #193 and falling (#180 → #193, 2024)

Cedric

• Origin: Welsh (literary coinage)
• Pronunciation: SED-rik · ˈsɛdrɪk
• Meaning: literary invented name, possibly meaning ‘beloved’ or ‘great bounty’ in Welsh
• Popularity: #944 and rising (#1,045 → #944, 2024)

Channing

• Origin: English (surname transferred from a French place name)
• Pronunciation: CHAN-ing · ˈʧænɪŋ
• Meaning: young wolf, or official of the church
• Popularity: #1,696 and rising (#1,727 → #1,696, 2024)

Chip

• Origin: English (diminutive)
• Pronunciation: CHIP · ʧɪp
• Meaning: a pet form of Christopher or Charles; also a nickname for a son who shares his father’s name (as in ‘a chip off the old block’)
• Popularity: #3,272 and rising (#3,573 → #3,272, 2024)

Chosen

• Origin: English (word name, past participle of ‘choose’, from Old English cēosan)
• Pronunciation: CHOH-zin · ˈtʃoʊzən
• Meaning: selected, especially by divine favor
• Popularity: #619 and rising (#671 → #619, 2024)

Cillian

• Origin: Irish (contested)
• Pronunciation: KIL-ee-an · ˈkɪliən
• Meaning: of disputed origin: possibly ‘strife/war’ or ‘church’ (Old Irish ceallach/ceall), or separately from Latin Caecilianus
• Popularity: #463 and rising (#594 → #463, 2024)

Cohen

• Origin: Hebrew
• Pronunciation: KOH-en · ˈkoʊən
• Meaning: priest
• Popularity: #239 and rising (#247 → #239, 2024)

Constantine

• Origin: Latin
• Pronunciation: KON-stan-teen · ˈkɒnstəntiːn
• Meaning: steadfast, constant
• Popularity: #1,608 and rising (#1,649 → #1,608, 2024)

Edgy Boy Names That Start with C

Get ready to add a dose of cool and unconventional flair to your baby naming journey with our selection of edgy boy names that start with C, perfect for those who dare to stand out.

Cade

• Origin: English (surname, multiple possible roots)
• Pronunciation: KAYD · ˈkeɪd
• Meaning: from an English surname with several possible roots: a personal-name element meaning ‘lump/swelling,’ an occupational term for a barrel-maker, or a word for a hand-reared farm animal
• Popularity: #272 and rising (#280 → #272, 2024)

Cannon

• Origin: Irish/English (surname)
• Pronunciation: KAN-un · ˈkænən
• Meaning: wolf cub (Irish); or from ‘canon’, church official (English)
• Popularity: #765 and falling (#640 → #765, 2024)

Connoly

• Origin: Irish (surname, variant spelling)
• Pronunciation: KON-uh-lee · ˈkɒnəli
• Meaning: probably ‘descendant of Conghalach’ (variant of Connolly/Connelly)
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Cashton

• Origin: modern coinage
• Pronunciation: KASH-tun · ˈkæʃtən
• Meaning: home ruler
• Popularity: #1,028 and rising (#1,177 → #1,028, 2024)

Chicago

• Origin: Algonquian (Miami-Illinois)
• Pronunciation: shih-KAH-goh · ʃɪˈkɑːɡoʊ
• Meaning: from a Miami-Illinois word for wild onion/leek (also linked to a word for skunk)
• Popularity: #6,505 and falling (#6,276 → #6,505, 2024)

Chief

• Origin: English (word name/title, ultimately from Old French chief ‘head’, from Latin caput)
• Pronunciation: CHEEF · ʧiːf
• Meaning: leader, head of a group
• Popularity: #4,080 and falling (#3,725 → #4,080, 2024)

Cairo

• Origin: Arabic (place name, the city of Cairo, Egypt)
• Pronunciation: KY-roh · ˈkaɪroʊ
• Meaning: ‘the victorious’ or ‘the conqueror,’ from Arabic al-Qāhira (Cairo)
• Popularity: #355 and falling (#331 → #355, 2024)

Earthy Boy Names That Start with C

Have a connection to nature? Use this set of earthy boy names that start with C, symbolizing a grounded and rustic charm perfect for your little adventurer.

Coast

• Origin: English (from Latin costa ‘rib, side’ via Old French coste)
• Pronunciation: KOHST · ˈkoʊst
• Meaning: coastline; the edge of land bordering the sea
• Popularity: #1,137 and rising (#1,590 → #1,137, 2024)

Cyrus

• Origin: Old Persian (via Greek Kŷros)
• Pronunciation: SY-rus · ˈsaɪrəs
• Meaning: like the sun
• Popularity: #254 and rising (#296 → #254, 2024)

Coltan

• Origin: modern coinage
• Pronunciation: KOHL-tan · ˈkoʊltæn
• Meaning: famous wolf
• Popularity: #11,161 and falling (#8,377 → #11,161, 2024)

Cedar

• Origin: English
• Pronunciation: SEE-dur · ˈsiːdər
• Meaning: the cedar tree
• Popularity: #1,197 and rising (#1,252 → #1,197, 2024)

Clover

• Origin: English
• Pronunciation: KLOH-ver · ˈkloʊvər
• Meaning: the clover plant (Old English clafre), popularly linked to luck
• Popularity: #5,687 and rising (#7,836 → #5,687, 2024)

Cypress

• Origin: English (nature name)
• Pronunciation: SY-prus · ˈsaɪprəs
• Meaning: evergreen trees and shrubs with small overlapping leaves
• Popularity: #1,416 and rising (#1,550 → #1,416, 2024)

Caspian

• Origin: English (from Latin ‘Caspius’)
• Pronunciation: KAS-pee-an · ˈkæspiən
• Meaning: of/from the Caspian Sea
• Popularity: #578 and rising (#664 → #578, 2024)

Carrick

• Origin: Irish/Scottish Gaelic
• Pronunciation: KAR-ik · ˈkærɪk
• Meaning: rock
• Popularity: #10,038 and falling (#7,357 → #10,038, 2024)

Canyon

• Origin: English (modern word/nature name)
• Pronunciation: KAN-yuhn · ˈkænjən
• Meaning: from the deep ravine
• Popularity: #1,433 and falling (#1,390 → #1,433, 2024)

Cairn

• Origin: Scottish/Irish Gaelic
• Pronunciation: KAIRN · ˈkɛərn
• Meaning: a pile or mound of stones, often used as a landmark or memorial marker
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Clarence

• Origin: English (place name/title, from Clare, Suffolk)
• Pronunciation: KLAIR-uns · ˈklærəns
• Meaning: from the Clare river
• Popularity: #1,558, holding steady (2024)

Clifford

• Origin: Old English (surname)
• Pronunciation: KLIF-erd · ˈklɪfərd
• Meaning: ford by the cliff
• Popularity: #1,340 and rising (#1,457 → #1,340, 2024)

Vintage Boy Names That Start with C

Step back in time and explore the charm of yesteryear with our collection of vintage boy names that start with C, reminding you of nostalgia and timeless elegance.

Cavell

• Origin: English (surname, no attested etymology found)
• Pronunciation: kuh-VEL (Edith Cavell is said kuh-VEL or KAV-el) · ˈkævəl
• Meaning: one who is bold
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Cover

• Origin: English (place/river name, not attested as a personal given name)
• Pronunciation: KUH-ver · ˈkʌvər
• Meaning: a resident of the Cove region in Suffolk (UK), or to cover
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Crawford

• Origin: Old English (Scottish surname/place name)
• Pronunciation: KRAW-ferd · ˈkrɔːfərd
• Meaning: crow’s ford — a river crossing frequented by crows
• Popularity: #2,557 and falling (#2,547 → #2,557, 2024)

Charlie

• Origin: Germanic (via Charles)
• Pronunciation: CHAR-lee · ˈtʃɑːrli
• Meaning: pet form of Charles, meaning ‘free man’
• Popularity: #176 and falling (#175 → #176, 2024)

Carson

• Origin: Scottish/Irish (surname of disputed origin)
• Pronunciation: KAR-sun · ˈkɑːrsən
• Meaning: son of Carr
• Popularity: #123 and falling (#112 → #123, 2024)

Cleo

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: KLEE-oh · ˈkliːoʊ
• Meaning: glory, fame
• Popularity: #4,717 and falling (#4,244 → #4,717, 2024)

Clifton

• Origin: Old English (place name/surname)
• Pronunciation: KLIF-tun · ˈklɪftən
• Meaning: settlement by a cliff
• Popularity: #1,746 and falling (#1,640 → #1,746, 2024)

Coleman

• Origin: English (surname, occupational or patronymic)
• Pronunciation: KOHL-mun · ˈkoʊlmən
• Meaning: charcoal-burner, or patronymic form of Colman (‘dove’)
• Popularity: #1,279 and falling (#1,169 → #1,279, 2024)

Cliff

• Origin: English (diminutive of Clifford/Clifton)
• Pronunciation: KLIF · klɪf
• Meaning: short form of Clifford or Clifton, from Old English clif ‘cliff, steep bank’
• Popularity: #2,995 and rising (#3,127 → #2,995, 2024)

Last Name as First Names Starting with C

Discover cool and unique last names used as first names that start with C, mixing family traditions with modern styles for your baby boy.

Callan

• Origin: Irish (surname)
• Pronunciation: KAL-un · ˈkælən
• Meaning: battle-mighty (little Cathal)
• Popularity: #242 and rising (#339 → #242, 2024)

Campbell

• Origin: Scottish Gaelic (surname)
• Pronunciation: KAM-bul · ˈkæmbəl
• Meaning: crooked mouth
• Popularity: #922 and rising (#1,029 → #922, 2024)

Clarke

• Origin: English (surname, variant of Clark)
• Pronunciation: KLARK · klɑːrk
• Meaning: clerk, scholar
• Popularity: #3,331 and rising (#4,243 → #3,331, 2024)

Copeland

• Origin: English (place name, Old Norse)
• Pronunciation: KOHP-land · ˈkoʊplənd
• Meaning: bought land
• Popularity: #1,992 and rising (#2,319 → #1,992, 2024)

Crockett

• Origin: English (surname)
• Pronunciation: KRAH-kit · ˈkrɑːkɪt
• Meaning: a shepherd; a crook
• Popularity: #10,071 and falling (#6,607 → #10,071, 2024)

Canfield

• Origin: English (surname/place name, Essex)
• Pronunciation: KAN-feeld · ˈkænfiːld
• Meaning: Cana’s field (Old English personal name + ‘field’)
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Chesney

• Origin: English (surname from a Norman French place name)
• Pronunciation: CHEZ-nee · ˈʧɛzni
• Meaning: oak grove
• Popularity: #7,309 and rising (#9,931 → #7,309, 2024)

Callahan

• Origin: Irish (surname)
• Pronunciation: KAL-uh-han · ˈkæləhæn
• Meaning: bright (little bright one)
• Popularity: #363 and rising (#460 → #363, 2024)

Calloway

• Origin: English/Irish (surname)
• Pronunciation: KAL-oh-way · ˈkæloʊweɪ
• Meaning: pebbly place
• Popularity: #1,849 and rising (#2,101 → #1,849, 2024)

More Names We Love

Carlos

• Origin: Spanish/Portuguese, from Latin, ultimately Germanic
• Pronunciation: KAR-lohs · ˈkɑːrloʊs
• Meaning: free man (Spanish/Portuguese form of Charles)
• Popularity: #135 and rising (#139 → #135, 2024)

Callum

• Origin: Scottish Gaelic
• Pronunciation: KAL-um · ˈkæləm
• Meaning: dove (via the name Calum, ultimately Latin columba)
• Popularity: #159 and rising (#222 → #159, 2024)

Colter

• Origin: English (occupational surname)
• Pronunciation: KOHL-tur · ˈkoʊltər
• Meaning: one who herds young horses (colt-herder)
• Popularity: #218 and rising (#322 → #218, 2024)

Clayton

• Origin: Old English (surname)
• Pronunciation: KLAY-tun · ˈkleɪtən
• Meaning: clay settlement
• Popularity: #317 and falling (#310 → #317, 2024)

Chance

• Origin: English (American pet form of Chauncey)
• Pronunciation: CHANS · ˈtʃæns
• Meaning: pet form of Chauncey; popularly reassociated with the word ‘chance’ (luck/fortune) in modern use
• Popularity: #418 and falling (#377 → #418, 2024)

Camilo

• Origin: Latin (via Spanish)
• Pronunciation: kah-MEE-loh · kɑːˈmiːloʊ
• Meaning: a young attendant at religious ceremonies
• Popularity: #526 and falling (#481 → #526, 2024)

Creed

• Origin: Latin (word); Old English (surname, from Creoda)
• Pronunciation: KREED · ˈkriːd
• Meaning: a strongly held set of beliefs or guiding principles
• Popularity: #612 and rising (#674 → #612, 2024)

Chris

• Origin: Greek (short form of several Christ- names)
• Pronunciation: KRIS · ˈkrɪs
• Meaning: a short form used for several longer names (Christopher ‘bearer of Christ’, Christian, Christina, Christine ‘follower of Christ’), and also used independently
• Popularity: #650 and rising (#774 → #650, 2024)

Chandler

• Origin: English (occupational surname, from Old French chandelier, ‘candle maker’)
• Pronunciation: CHAND-lur · ˈtʃændlər
• Meaning: candle maker/seller
• Popularity: #738 and falling (#687 → #738, 2024)

Curtis

• Origin: Old French
• Pronunciation: KUR-tis · ˈkɜːrtɪs
• Meaning: courteous, refined
• Popularity: #927 and falling (#902 → #927, 2024)

Cullen

• Origin: Scottish Gaelic (surname/place name)
• Pronunciation: KUL-in · ˈkʌlɪn
• Meaning: holly (from Gaelic ‘cuilinn, ‘ holly, also a town in Moray, Scotland)
• Popularity: #1,129 and falling (#1,002 → #1,129, 2024)

Cian

• Origin: Old Irish
• Pronunciation: KEE-an · ˈkiːən
• Meaning: long-lasting, enduring
• Popularity: #1,525 and falling (#1,439 → #1,525, 2024)

Chet

• Origin: English (short form of Chester)
• Pronunciation: CHET · ʧɛt
• Meaning: fortress, camp (via Chester)
• Popularity: #2,095 and rising (#2,224 → #2,095, 2024)

Cornelius

• Origin: Latin (Roman gens name)
• Pronunciation: kor-NEEL-yus · kɔːrˈniːljəs
• Meaning: horn
• Popularity: #2,150 and falling (#1,898 → #2,150, 2024)

Clement

• Origin: Latin
• Pronunciation: KLEM-ent · ˈklɛmənt
• Meaning: merciful
• Popularity: #2,260 and rising (#2,394 → #2,260, 2024)

Casimir

• Origin: Polish (Slavic)
• Pronunciation: KAZ-uh-meer · ˈkæzəmɪr
• Meaning: proclaims/announces peace
• Popularity: #2,393 and falling (#2,363 → #2,393, 2024)

Clancy

• Origin: Irish (surname)
• Pronunciation: KLAN-see · ˈklænsi
• Meaning: descendant of the red-haired warrior
• Popularity: #3,220 and rising (#3,429 → #3,220, 2024)

Carlisle

• Origin: Cumbric/Brittonic Celtic
• Pronunciation: kar-LYLE · kɑːrˈlaɪl
• Meaning: fort of Luguwalos (built on the name of the god Lugus)
• Popularity: #3,271 and rising (#3,426 → #3,271, 2024)

Cavan

• Origin: Irish (Anglicized surname, multiple theories)
• Pronunciation: KAV-uhn · ˈkævən
• Meaning: uncertain — debated surname origin, not literally ‘hollow’
• Popularity: #4,202 and falling (#3,722 → #4,202, 2024)

Chadwick

• Origin: English (place name/surname transferred to given-name use)
• Pronunciation: CHAD-wik · ˈtʃædwɪk
• Meaning: place name meaning ‘Chad’s inlet/creek’ (Ceadda ‘Chad’ + Old Norse vik, ‘bay, inlet’)
• Popularity: #4,325 and falling (#3,427 → #4,325, 2024)

Chapman

• Origin: Middle English (occupational surname)
• Pronunciation: CHAP-muhn · ˈtʃæpmən
• Meaning: merchant, trader
• Popularity: #4,578 and falling (#4,017 → #4,578, 2024)

Calogero

• Origin: Italian/Sicilian (from Greek)
• Pronunciation: kah-LOH-jeh-roh · kaˈlɔː.dʒe.ro
• Meaning: good old age / venerable elder
• Popularity: #4,715 and rising (#5,099 → #4,715, 2024)

Carsten

• Origin: German (Low German), Scandinavian
• Pronunciation: KAR-sten · ˈkɑːrstən
• Meaning: form of Christian, meaning ‘follower of Christ/anointed one’
• Popularity: #4,716 and falling (#3,478 → #4,716, 2024)

Celestino

• Origin: Latin (Italian/Spanish/Portuguese form)
• Pronunciation: sel-es-TEE-noh · ˌsɛləsˈtiːnoʊ
• Meaning: heavenly
• Popularity: #5,079 and rising (#5,983 → #5,079, 2024)

Cyprian

• Origin: Latin
• Pronunciation: SIP-ree-un · ˈsɪpriən
• Meaning: of/from Cyprus
• Popularity: #5,083 and rising (#5,285 → #5,083, 2024)

Calhoun

• Origin: Scottish Gaelic (surname)
• Pronunciation: kal-HOON · kælˈhuːn
• Meaning: narrow wood
• Popularity: #5,929 and rising (#9,043 → #5,929, 2024)

Chiron

• Origin: Ancient Greek
• Pronunciation: KY-ron · ˈkaɪrɒn
• Meaning: traditionally linked to Greek kheir (‘hand’), reflecting his renowned skill; true origin uncertain, possibly pre-Greek
• Popularity: #7,310 and falling (#6,604 → #7,310, 2024)

Clovis

• Origin: Frankish/Germanic (via French)
• Pronunciation: KLOH-vis · kloʊvɪs
• Meaning: famous in battle
• Popularity: #7,311 and rising (#12,568 → #7,311, 2024)

Chinedu

• Origin: Igbo
• Pronunciation: chee-NEH-doo · tʃiˈnɛduː
• Meaning: God leads
• Popularity: #7,840 and falling (#7,364 → #7,840, 2024)

Chukwuemeka

• Origin: Igbo
• Pronunciation: choo-kwoo-eh-MEH-kah · tʃuːkwuːɛˈmɛkə
• Meaning: Supreme God has done well
• Popularity: #8,415 and rising (#12,564 → #8,415, 2024)

Connelly

• Origin: Irish (surname)
• Pronunciation: KAH-nuh-lee · ˈkɑːnəli
• Meaning: descendant of Conghalach
• Popularity: #9,036 and falling (#7,325 → #9,036, 2024)

Christoph

• Origin: German (from Greek via Latin)
• Pronunciation: KRIS-tof · kɹɪstɒf
• Meaning: Christ-bearer
• Popularity: #9,120 and falling (#7,365 → #9,120, 2024)

Chidubem

• Origin: Igbo
• Pronunciation: chee-DOO-behm · tʃiˈduːbɛm
• Meaning: may God lead me
• Popularity: #10,055 and falling (#7,363 → #10,055, 2024)

Chibuike

• Origin: Igbo
• Pronunciation: chee-BWEE-keh · tʃiˈbwiːkɛ
• Meaning: God is strength
• Popularity: #11,149 and falling (#11,026 → #11,149, 2024)

Chinonso

• Origin: Igbo
• Pronunciation: chee-NON-soh · tʃiˈnɑːnsoʊ
• Meaning: God is near
• Popularity: #11,151 and falling (#11,029 → #11,151, 2024)

Chike

• Origin: Igbo (Nigerian)
• Pronunciation: CHEE-kay · ˈtʃiːkeɪ
• Meaning: God’s power
• Popularity: #12,629 and falling (#11,071 → #12,629, 2024)

Chanson

• Origin: French
• Pronunciation: shahn-SOHN · ʃɑːnˈsoʊn
• Meaning: a song
• Popularity: #7,830 as of 2023 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Chibundu

• Origin: Igbo
• Pronunciation: chee-BOON-doo · tʃiˈbuːndu
• Meaning: God is life
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Chidiebere

• Origin: Igbo
• Pronunciation: chee-dee-EH-beh-reh · tʃidiˈɛbɛrɛ
• Meaning: God is merciful
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Chiedozie

• Origin: Igbo
• Pronunciation: chee-eh-DOH-zee · tʃiɛˈdoʊzi
• Meaning: God has set things right
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Chijioke

• Origin: Igbo
• Pronunciation: chee-jee-OH-keh · tʃidʒiˈoʊkɛ
• Meaning: God gives destiny
• Popularity: #11,026 as of 2018 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Chiugo

• Origin: Igbo
• Pronunciation: chee-OO-goh · tʃiˈuːgoʊ
• Meaning: God’s eagle
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Chizoba

• Origin: Igbo
• Pronunciation: chee-ZOH-bah · tʃiˈzoʊbə
• Meaning: God protects
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Chukwudi

• Origin: Igbo
• Pronunciation: CHOO-kwoo-dee · ˈtʃuːkwuːdi
• Meaning: Supreme God exists
• Popularity: #12,562 as of 2023 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Columba

• Origin: Latin
• Pronunciation: kuh-LUM-buh · kəˈlʌmbə
• Meaning: dove
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Constant

• Origin: Latin
• Pronunciation: KAHN-stant · ˈkɑːnstənt
• Meaning: steadfast, unchanging
• Popularity: #10,869 as of 2020 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Cuong

• Origin: Vietnamese
• Pronunciation: KWUNG · ˈkwʌŋ
• Meaning: strong, prosperous
• Popularity: #11,222 as of 2003 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Cuthbert

• Origin: Old English
• Pronunciation: KUTH-bert · ˈkʌθbərt
• Meaning: renowned and bright
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Carwyn

• Origin: Welsh
• Pronunciation: KAR-win · ˈkɑːrwɪn
• Meaning: love paired with ‘fair/blessed’
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Caelestis

• Origin: Latin
• Pronunciation: suh-LES-tis · səˈlɛstɪs
• Meaning: heavenly, celestial
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Carmichael

• Origin: Scottish (place name/surname)
• Pronunciation: KAR-my-kuhl · ˈkɑːrmaɪkəl
• Meaning: fort of (St.) Michael
• Popularity: #11,049 as of 2023 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Chanpreet

• Origin: Punjabi/Sanskrit
• Pronunciation: chahn-PREET · tʃɑːnˈpriːt
• Meaning: love/affection for the moon
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Cadwaladr

• Origin: Welsh (Proto-Celtic)
• Pronunciation: kad-WAH-lah-dur · kædˈwɑːlɑːdr̩
• Meaning: battle leader
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Cadwallon

• Origin: Welsh (Brittonic)
• Pronunciation: kad-WAHL-on · kædˈwɒlən
• Meaning: battle ruler / battle prince
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Chariton

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: KAIR-ih-tun · ˈkærɪtən
• Meaning: graceful one
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Chrysanthos

• Origin: Greek
• Pronunciation: krih-SAN-thos · krɪˈsænθɒs
• Meaning: golden flower
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

How These Names Are Trending

53 of these names rose in the U.S. Social Security rankings last year, and 50 are falling, per Social Security data through 2024.

How These Names Are Trending

53 of these names rose in the U.S. Social Security rankings last year, and 50 are falling, per Social Security data through 2024.

How These Names Are Trending

53 of these names rose in the U.S. Social Security rankings last year, and 50 are falling, per Social Security data through 2024.

How These Names Are Trending

38 of these names rose in the U.S. Social Security rankings last year, and 29 are falling, per Social Security data through 2024.

How These Names Are Trending

40 of these names rose in the U.S. Social Security rankings last year, and 30 are falling, per Social Security data through 2024.

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📊 Curious how popular a name actually is? Look it up in our Baby Name Popularity Checker — pulls live SSA data to show ranking trends.

Wrapping Up

Choosing a name for your little one is a big decision, but with so many charming options, the journey can be exciting! Whether you’re drawn to popular classics like Christopher or prefer unique indie picks like Carrington, there’s a perfect C name out there to suit your family’s style and personality.

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