Boy Names That Start With C

By Dixie Legare – August 28, 2024

Popular Boy Names That Start With C

Carter

Carter is among the trendiest names for boys that start with C. This name originates from an English surname and simply means “one who uses a cart.”

A well-known figure with this name is former U.S. president Jimmy Carter.

Charles

Charles is a timeless name that remains highly popular. It comes from the Germanic name Karl, which means “man.”

Its historical significance dates back to Charles the Great in the eighth century. The name Charles has been used by many rulers across Europe.

Christopher

Christopher is a fashionable name derived from the Greek name Christophoros, meaning “bearing Christ.”

Notable individuals with this name include three Danish kings, the English architect Christopher Wren, and Christopher Robin from the Winnie-the-Pooh series.

Caleb

Caleb gained popularity in the 1990s and continues to be widely used. There are differing opinions on its meaning.

Some believe it comes from the Hebrew word kelev, which means “dog,” while others link it to kal and lev, meaning “whole” and “heart.”

Christian

Christian is a well-loved name found in many European countries and other parts of the world. The name comes from medieval Latin and simply means “a Christian.”

One famous bearer is the author Hans Christian Andersen, known for his fairy tales.

Cameron

Originally a Scottish surname, Cameron is another popular choice. It comes from two Gaelic words: kam, meaning “crooked,” and sròn, meaning “nose.”

Despite its less-than-appealing meaning, the name is cherished for its Gaelic connections.

Colton

Colton is another surname-turned-first name, derived from Old English. There is some debate around its meaning, but many believe it referred to someone living in a colt-breeding town.

Connor

Connor, a variant of Conor, has been a popular name for Irish boys for centuries. It combines two ancient Irish words: con, meaning “dog,” “hound,” or “wolf,” and cobar, meaning “desiring.”

Cooper

Cooper is not only modern but also quite cute. The name originates from the Middle English word couper, meaning “barrel maker.”

Despite its somewhat mundane meaning, it remains a charming choice for boys.

Carson

Carson is another sought-after name for boys. It’s a Scottish surname with origins that are not entirely clear.

Those thinking of the name Carson might remember the legendary TV host Johnny Carson.

Unique and Unusual Boy Names That Start With C

Callum

Callum is a variant of the Scottish name Calum. This name traces back to the Roman name Columba and means “dove.”

Saint Columba, who played a significant role in converting Scotland to Christianity in the sixth century, is a notable historical figure with this name.

Cairo

Cairo, while known as the capital of Egypt, is a distinctive choice for a boy’s first name. In Arabic, Cairo means “the victorious.”

Its rarity as a given name adds to its uniqueness.

Camden

The name Camden has roots in the meaning “enclosed valley.” It was the surname of English historian William Camden and is also associated with Camden Market in London, a popular outdoor market.

Chance

Chance is an unexpected and charming name for a boy. It derives from the Norman name Chauncey, whose origins are somewhat mysterious.

Bestowing this name on a child might bring a touch of luck and can also make a delightful middle name.

Channing

Popularized by actor Channing Tatum, this modern name’s origins are unclear. Despite the ambiguity, Channing is an interesting and contemporary name that stands out.

Chase

Chase gained momentary popularity in the 1990s and means “chase” or “hunt.”

Historically, it was used as a nickname for huntsmen, making it a unique choice for a baby boy.

Ciel

Ciel, translating to “sky” in French, is rarely used as a first name in France, which makes it quite unique. This name works well for both boys and girls, offering a touch of elegance and uniqueness.

Colson

Colson is an uncommon ancient English surname with origins and meanings that remain mysterious.

It originates from the Northumberland region of England, providing a touch of historical intrigue.

Cray

Cray has unknown origins but maintains some Scottish connections. As an Anglicized version of the Gaelic surname Mac Rath, it means “son of grace” or “son of prosperity,” making it a meaningful and unique name choice.

Crew

Originally an old English word for a group of people and a Welsh surname, Crew only started being used as a first name around the 2010s.

Its rarity and modern feel make it an intriguing option for a boy.

Crosby

Crosby may appeal to fans of the folk-rock band Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. The name comes from Old Norse words meaning “cross” and “farm.” It first appeared as a surname in southern Scotland.

Cyan

Recognized as the English word for the greenish-blue color, Cyan as a given name comes from the Greek word kyanos.

Its colorful meaning makes it a visually pleasing and unique name choice.

Cyrus

Cyrus is an ancient Greek name linked to the words kyros, meaning “young,” and kyrios, meaning “lord.”

This name has been around for a long time in the United States, maintaining its unusual status.

Cruz

Cruz, translating to “cross” in Spanish and Portuguese, is a charming and energetic name. Its meaning and the imagery of a little boy “cruising” around add to its distinct appeal.

More Unique and Unusual Boy Names That Start With C

Caelan

This name has an Irish origin and means “slender” or “victorious.” It is a modern twist on traditional names, giving it a unique feel.

Callan

Callan is a strong name of Irish descent, meaning “battle” or “rock.” It evokes a sense of strength and resilience.

Carlton

Carlton is an old English name that means “town of free men.” It carries a sense of history and nobility.

Carol

Carol is a name with Latin roots, often meaning “song.” It’s a classic name that still feels fresh and musical.

Cedar

Cedar is nature-inspired, derived from the tree known for its strength and longevity. It has a modern, earthy appeal.

Chesley

Chesley is an English name meaning “camp in the clearing.” It has a rustic charm and is rarely heard, making it quite unique.

Chile

Chile is a rare name likely inspired by the South American country. It evokes a sense of adventure and exoticism.

Cletus

Cletus is a Greek name meaning “glory.” It has a strong, old-fashioned appeal that sets it apart from more contemporary names.

Corbin

Corbin is of Latin origin, meaning “raven.” It has a mysterious, dark quality that intrigues many.

Crofton

Crofton is an English name meaning “town with a croft.” It has a vintage feel and is distinctly different from more common names.

Adorable Boy Names That Start With C

Calvin

Calvin is a timeless name with a touch of charm. It might remind you of the beloved comic strip Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson.

The name means “bald,” which can be a fitting and endearing description for a little baby. Calvin also can be shortened to the cute nickname “Cal.”

Casey

Casey is an old Irish surname that means “vigilant.” In the U.S., it’s a unisex name that saw a surge in popularity before leveling off after the 1980s.

Cash

While many might think of money, Cash actually comes from the French word casse, meaning “case.”

Johnny Cash, the famous musician, is a renowned bearer of this name.

Cassius

Cassius originates from the Latin word cassus, meaning “vain.” Despite its meaning, the name has a pleasant sound.

Muhammad Ali, the legendary boxer, was originally named after Cassius Clay, who was an American abolitionist.

Cayden

Cayden is derived from the Irish surname Caden, meaning “son of Cadán.” It gained popularity as a given name in the 1990s, partly due to the appealing -den sound, much like names such as Aidan, Hayden, and Braden.

Charlie

Charlie, a charming nickname for Charles, is often associated with comedic actor Charlie Chaplin and Charlie Brown from the Peanuts comic strip. It’s one of the cutest names that you can choose.

Chevy

Though it’s a well-known car brand, Chevy actually comes from Cheviot Hills in Scotland.

The name appeared in the poem “The Ballad of Chevy Chase,” where “Chevy” referred to the hills, and “chase” meant a hunt. Comedian Chevy Chase took his name from this poem.

Cinna

Cinna is an ancient Roman name with an unknown meaning. It was notably worn by the father-in-law of Julius Caesar.

Clinton

Clinton is an English surname meaning “settlement on the River Glyme.”

It’s worn by many notable figures, including former president Bill Clinton. The nickname “Clint” adds an extra layer of cuteness to the name.

Cody

Cody saw a peak in popularity in the early 1990s. It’s originally an Irish surname meaning “descendant of Cuidightheach,” where Cuidightheach means “helpful.”

Cohen

Cohen is a common Jewish surname meaning “priest” in Hebrew. Well-known individuals with this last name include the late Leonard Cohen, a celebrated songwriter, poet, and novelist.

Cornell

Cornell is derived from the given name Cornelius, which means “horn.” In the Bible, Cornelius was the first Gentile recorded to convert to Christianity.

For a unique twist on a biblical name, consider Cornell for your baby boy.

More Cute Boy Names That Start With C

Cade

Cade has a strong and simple sound. It’s short but dynamic, making it a popular choice.

Cale

Cale is unique and has a modern feel. It’s straightforward and easy to pronounce.

Carey

Carey is a classic name. It stands out due to its traditional roots.

Case

Case is quick and easy to say. It has a strong, one-syllable sound.

Chas

Chas is a cool and sleek name. It’s short but makes an impact.

Cleve

Cleve feels both vintage and modern. It’s distinctive without being too common.

Codie

Codie has a playful vibe. It’s an alternative spelling to Cody, adding a bit of uniqueness.

Crawford

Crawford is a strong, sturdy name. It carries a sense of sophistication.

Cree

Cree is a fresh and modern choice. It’s simple yet intriguing.

Crispian

Crispian is rare and elegant. It has an old-world charm that feels renewed.

Old-Fashioned Boy Names That Start With C

Callahan

This Irish surname means “descendant of Ceallachán.”

Originating from Old Irish, Ceallachán comes from the word ceallach, which means “bright headed.”

Campbell

Originally a Scottish surname, Campbell was used as a boys’ name in the nineteenth century.

It means “crooked mouth.” While rare and old-fashioned today, it has recently been given to girls, bringing vintage charm.

Carlisle

Derived from a city in England named Luguvalium during Roman times, Carlisle means “light” or “bright.”

It serves as a unique middle name choice.

Carmicheal

An anglicized Scottish surname, Carmicheal translates to “fort of Michael.”

Michael, in turn, means “who is like God.” It remains a sophisticated choice for boys’ names.

Cecil

Cecil has Roman roots and was initially a third-century saint’s name. It wasn’t used widely until the nineteenth century.

Cecilia, the female counterpart, means “blind.” Saint Cecilia is the patron saint of music.

Cedric

Cedric combines both unique and charming qualities. It is derived from the sixth-century name Cerdic and is thought to be connected to the Celtic word Caratacos, meaning “love.”

Chadwick

This English place-name means “settlement belonging to Chad,” with Chad deriving from the Welsh term for “battle.”

The late actor Chadwick Boseman brought this name into the spotlight.

Chandler

An occupational name, Chandler originates from French and means “candle seller.”

This name gained fame from the 1990s TV show Friends.

Clarence

Originally a title for British royals, Clarence comes from the town of Clare in Suffolk, England.

Clarence Thomas became notable as the second Black Supreme Court Justice in 1991.

Clark

Clark means “cleric,” “scribe,” or “priest,” and stems from the Latin clericus.

It gained popularity from “King of Hollywood” Clark Gable.

Claude

Claude, the French variant of Claudius, has the archaic meaning of “lame, crippled.”

Yet, it is associated with famous painter Claude Monet, who refined the name’s artistic significance.

Clifford

Meaning “ford by a cliff,” Clifford is a place surname.

Cliff is a common nickname, popularized by actor Cliff Robertson and baseball star Cliff Johnson.

Clive

This historical name in England and Wales means “cliff.” It was given to those living near cliffs.

Clyde

Based on the River Clyde in Scotland, this name comes with an unknown meaning but carries a sense of strong traditional roots.

Constantine

From the Latin name Constantinus, meaning “steadfast,” Constantine was borne by the first-century Roman Emperor Constantine the Great.

He is notable for adopting Christianity and renaming Byzantium to Constantinople, now Istanbul.

Cormack

A derivative of Cormac, this old-fashioned name is Irish Gaelic for “raven” and “son.”

Cormac was a third-century King of Ireland and the name of American novelist Charles “Cormac” McCarthy.

Coy

This name means “shy” or “quiet,” originating as an English surname for many centuries.

The word coi carried the same meaning.

International Boy Names That Start With C

Cahaya

Cahaya, meaning “light” in Malay and Indonesian, offers a warm and illuminating name for a baby boy.

Camilo

The Spanish and Portuguese form of the Roman name Camillus, Camilo translates to “a youth employed in religious services.”

The nickname Milo provides an equally charming option.

Can

This brief name carries significant meanings in different cultures.

In Turkish, Can means “soul” or “life.” In Persian, derived from jan, it translates to “darling” or “sweetheart.”

Casimir

Casimir is a French name that has spread across Europe, often spelled with a K.

It originates from Slavic elements and carries the meanings “peace” or “world” from miru.

Cesar

Associated with the word “hairy,” Cesar brings to mind the ancient Roman ruler Julius Caesar.

It can also evoke thoughts of César Chávez, a notable South American labor organizer.

Chandra

Chandra is a cute unisex name meaning “moon” or “to shine” in languages like Hindi, Nepali, and Sanskrit.

Chetan

In Sanskrit, Chetan is a name with lovely meanings such as “visible,” “conscious,” and “soul.”

Chi

In Western Africa, Chi is a unisex name meaning “god” or “spiritual being.” It often refers to an individual’s personal spiritual guardian.

Claus

This German name is a short form of Nicholas, meaning “victory of the people.”

Claus is linked to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children and the inspiration for Santa Claus.

Cosimo

An Italian name derived from Cosmas, Cosimo signifies “order” and “decency.”

It shares its name with members of the famous Medici family, influential rulers of fifteenth-century Florence.

Costas

Commonly spelled as Kostas in Greece, this name is short for Konstantinos.

It traces back to Constantine the Great and means “steadfast.”

Cristiano

The Italian and Portuguese version of Christian, Cristiano means “a Christian.”

It is also notable for its association with the legendary football player Cristiano Ronaldo.

Strong Boy Names That Start With C

Carver

Carver is a brawny name, suggesting someone who is skilled and strong.

It directly means “wood carver,” coming from an artisan background.

Cas

Cas is a nickname derived from Casper, itself from the Dutch form of Jasper.

In Hebrew, it means “treasurer,” making it a solid choice for a baby boy.

Chester

Chester is an English surname for those hailing from the town of Chester, an ancient Roman settlement. The name means “fortress.”

Cleo

Cleo, although a short form of Cleopatra, also references Cleon, a Greek male name.

Derived from the Greek word kleos, Cleon means “glory.”

Coby

Coby is a unisex diminutive of Jacob. It means “holder of the heel” or “supplanter” and can also mean “may God protect.”

Conrad

Conrad is an ancient Germanic name meaning “brave counsel.”

This name was popular among German rulers during the Middle Ages.

Conway

Conway is an English surname originating from the River Conwy. The name means “holy water” in Welsh.

Craig

Craig is a classic name referring to crags in nature. It evokes images of tall, rugged rocks, fitting for a strong boy.

Cuthbert

Cuthbert is a rare Old English name meaning “bright” and “famous.”

The sixth-century Saint Cuthbert was known for his miraculous healings. Bert is a charming nickname for Cuthbert!

Cyril

Cyril is a Greek name deemed very strong.

It comes from the word kyrios, meaning “lord,” and was often used in the Greek Bible to refer to God.

Even More Boy Names That Start With C

Carl

Carl is a strong name with a traditional feel. It’s classic and timeless.

Cason

Cason is a modern name that sounds trendy and fresh. It has a unique touch.

Cat

Cat is a short, bold name. It’s easy to remember and stands out.

Cavan

Cavan is a name with an Irish origin. It brings a sense of history and culture.

Celestine

Celestine is a unique name that has an ethereal quality. It carries a sense of grace.

Chet

Chet is a simple and straightforward name. It’s easy to pronounce and has a friendly vibe.

Clair

Clair is a name that can be elegant and sophisticated. It has a classic ring to it.

Clement

Clement is a name with a gentle sound. It conveys kindness and compassion.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a strong, place-inspired name. It brings to mind a sense of strength and history.

Colbert

Colbert is a name that feels distinguished. It has a sense of formality and prestige.

Cole

Cole is a short, crisp name. It’s modern and popular.

Colin

Colin is a name with a soft yet strong feel. It is familiar and friendly.

Cordell

Cordell is a sophisticated name with a unique twist. It stands out in a crowd.

Cornelius

Cornelius is a name that sounds grand and historic. It carries a weight of tradition.

Corrado

Corrado is an uncommon name with an Italian flair. It has a romantic and exotic touch.

Corwin

Corwin is a name that feels adventurous and bold. It has a fresh and modern appeal.

Courtney

Courtney is a name with a unisex appeal. It is elegant yet approachable.

Creighton

Creighton is a name that sounds strong and distinctive. It has a unique character.

Curran

Curran is an Irish name with a rhythmic sound. It has a cultural and historical depth.