There’s no shortage of boy names that start with C worldwide. You’ll have much to consider, from traditional favorites to new and unusual choices. By the time you narrow it down, you may discover there are even more variations than possible to comb through.
Our fun list of C names for boys has everything from ancient classics to cool, modern choices. You’ll find out how to pronounce these names while discovering each name’s unique origin story. The best name will surely reveal itself to you in no time!
100 Popular Male Names That Start with C
Get creative with these strong boy names that start with C for your special little boy.
Cadence
Cadence is a musical term meaning “flowing.” It’s based on the Latin “cadere,” meaning “to fall,” and joined C names for boys in the late 20th-century.
- Origin: English, Latin
- Meaning: Rhythm
- Pronunciation: KAY-Dahnz
- Variations: Cadenze, Cadince, Cadinse, Caedence, Caydence
- Namesakes: Roland Pemberton (known as Cadence Weapon), a Canadian-American rapper and Edmonton’s Poet Laureate.
- Popularity: Cadence is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 1,753rd for boys in 2021.
Cadman
Cadman also means “warrior.” It’s primarily extinct today but had a brief resurgence in the 19th-century. A man named Caedmon is considered the first English poet.
- Origin: Welsh, English
- Meaning: Battle man
- Pronunciation: KAD-Maen
- Variations: Cadmen, Cadmun
- Popularity: Cadman is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Ghana.
Cadoc
Cadoc comes from the Welsh “cad,” meaning “battle glory.” St. Cadoc was a 6th-century Welsh martyr known as one of the keepers of the Holy Grail.
- Origin: Celtic, Welsh
- Meaning: Warlike
- Pronunciation: KAA-Dahk
- Variations: Caddoc
- Popularity: Cadoc is extremely rare worldwide, with only six known occurrences in 2014, primarily in the U.S.
Cage
Cage derives from the Middle English “cage,” meaning “enclosure.” It originated with the Latin “cavea,” meaning “cave” or “container.” Cage may be related to the Irish McCage, another version of McCaig, which means “a confining space.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Enclosure
- Pronunciation: KAEYJH
- Namesakes: Christian Palko (known as Cage), an American rapper and founder of The Weathermen hip-hop group.
- Popularity: Cage is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Cahal
Cahal is made up of the Irish “cath,” meaning “battle,” and “val,” meaning “rule.” It’s the name of a famous Irish saint and is currently ranked in the top 50 Irish names.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Battle ruler
- Pronunciation: KAO-Hhael
- Variations: Cathal
- Namesakes: Cahal Daly, an Irish theologian and the Archbishop of Armagh from late 1990 to 1996.
- Popularity: Cahal is very rare worldwide, mainly used in the U.S., and ranked 1,260th in Northern Ireland.
Cailean
Cailean is the Gaelic equivalent of Colin, meaning “triumphant in battle.” Cailean also refers to a “pup” or “whelp,” perfectly suited for your cute baby boy.
- Origin: Gaelic
- Meaning: Battle, rock
- Pronunciation: KEY-Lihn
- Variations: Coileain, Coilean
- Popularity: Cailean is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Scotland, where it’s slightly uncommon.
Cain
Cain is the biblical son of Adam and Eve, who murdered his brother Abel. Cain also means “possessed” in Hebrew and “smith” in Arabic. It was once illegal to name a child Cain because of its negative associations with the biblical character.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Spear
- Pronunciation: KEYN
- Variations: Caen, Caine, Cane
- Namesakes: Cain Madden, an American football player for Notre Dame. Caín Velasquez, an American wrestler, and a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion.
- Popularity: Cain is rare worldwide, primarily used in Mexico, and ranked 317th for boys in the U.S. in 2023.
Cairo
Cairo means “the vanquisher,” “the conqueror,” or “victorious” in Arabic. It’s inspired by Mars, called “the vanquisher planet,” which appeared over the Egyptian city of Cairo when it was founded.
- Origin: Egyptian, Arabic
- Meaning: Vanquisher
- Pronunciation: KAY-row
- Variations: Cayro
- Namesakes: Cairo Santos, a Brazilian-American football player for the Chicago Bears.
- Popularity: Cairo is rare worldwide, mainly used in Brazil, and ranked 223rd for boys in the U.S. in 2022.
Caius
Caius comes from the Latin “gaudere,” meaning “rejoice.” When appearing as Gaius, it was an ancient Roman personal name that became a title. Caius was also a character in the HBO series Rome and Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Rejoicing
- Pronunciation: CAIY-ahs
- Variations: Gaius
- Namesakes: Caius Novac, a Romanian footballer who played in the first CSCA București – Dinamo București derby in 1948. Caius Brediceanu, a Romanian member of the Romanian delegation to the Paris Peace Conference in 1919.
- Popularity: Caius is rare worldwide, primarily used in Romania, and ranked 1,339th for boys in the U.S. in 2021.
Caleb
Caleb also means “bold,” “brave,” and “devotion to God.” It’s composed of the Hebrew “kal” and “lev,” meaning “whole heart.” Caleb is also a biblical figure who escapes Egypt to find the promised land.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Faithful
- Pronunciation: KEY-Lahb
- Variations: Caeleb, Calub, Cayleb
- Namesakes: Caleb Carr, an American author known for The Alienist. Caleb Landry Jones, an American actor appearing in Get Out.
- Popularity: Caleb is rare worldwide, mostly used in Kenya, and ranked 119th for boys in the U.S. in 2023.
Calhoun
Calhoun also means “the narrow woods” and “from the nook/corner.” It means “warrior” in Old English. John Calhoun was a 19th-century American statesman under Vice President Andrew Jackson.
- Origin: Irish, English
- Meaning: From the narrow forest
- Pronunciation: Kael-HHUWN
- Variations: Calhoon, Calhoune, Callhoun
- Popularity: Calhoun is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Calvin
Calvin derives from the French surname Cauvin, based on “chauve,” meaning “bald.” It was inspired by theologian John Calvin and the order of monks who shaved the tops of their heads.
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Little bald one
- Pronunciation: KAEL-Vihn
- Variations: Calvan, Calven, Calvun, Calvyn
- Namesakes: Calvin Peete, an American golfer and the most successful African-American on the PGA Tour. Calvin Broadus (known as Snoop Dogg), an American rapper with 35 million albums sold worldwide.
- Popularity: Calvin is uncommon worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 189th for boys in 2022.
Camden
Camden began as an English surname, meaning “enclosed valley. It’s made up of “camp,” meaning “enclosure,” and “denu,” meaning “valley.” Camden is a less obvious version of Cameron among boy names that start with C.
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning: Winding valley
- Pronunciation: KAEM-Dehn
- Variations: Camdan, Camdene, Camdin
- Namesakes: Camden Joy (born Tom Adelman), an American writer of The Last Rock Star Book or Liz Phair: A Rant. Camden Toy, an American actor and founding member of the Nada theater in New York City.
- Popularity: Camden is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 175th for boys in 2021.
Cameron
Cameron comes from the Gaelic “cam sron,” meaning “crooked nose,” or “cam abhainn,” meaning “crooked river.” It was first a Scottish surname based on Fife, a place name near Edinburgh.
- Origin: Gaelic
- Meaning: Crooked nose
- Pronunciation: KAEM-ah-Rahn
- Variations: Camaron, Cameran, Camerron, Camron
- Namesakes: Cameron Talbot, a Canadian ice hockey player for the Ottawa Senators. Cameron Crowe, an American filmmaker who directed Almost Famous.
- Popularity: Cameron is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 79th for boys in 2023.
Camilo
Camilo originated with the Latin Camillus. It also means “helper to the priest.” Camilo is mostly used in Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese cultures for boys who are anything but basic.
- Origin: Spanish, Latin
- Meaning: Noble
- Pronunciation: Kaa-MIY-low
- Variations: Camillo
- Namesakes: Camilo Cela, a Spanish novelist, and winner of the 1989 Nobel Prize in Literature. Camilo Villegas, a Colombian golfer on the PGA Tour.
- Popularity: Camilo is uncommon worldwide, primarily used in Colombia, and ranked 154th in Chile in 2014.
Carden
Cardne was an occupational English surname given to someone from Carden in Cheshire, England. It appeared in the 14th-century as Cawardyn. Carden is also a French surname meaning “thistle.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Wood carrier
- Pronunciation: KAAR-Dahn
- Variations: Cardin
- Namesakes: Carden Gillenwater, an American baseball player for the St. Louis Cardinals.
- Popularity: Carden is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Carl
Carl is based on Karl, the German version of Charles. The Germanic “karal” means “man.” Carl also means “warrior” and “army” when based on the Old German “heri.”
- Origin: German, Scandinavian
- Meaning: Free man
- Pronunciation: KAARL
- Variations: Caarl, Carle, Karl
- Namesakes: Carl Jung, a Swiss psychoanalyst and founder of analytical psychology. Carl Sagan, an American astronomer known for the 1980 series Cosmos: A Personal Voyage.
- Popularity: Carl ranked 1,060th worldwide and is mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 824th for boys in 2022.
Carlisle
Carlisle also means “dweller at the fortified tower” and “from the protected tower.” It’s more commonly a surname for castle owners or people from “The City of Luguvalium.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: From the walled city
- Pronunciation: Kaar-LIEL
- Variations: Carlyle
- Namesakes: Carlisle Jarvis, an Australian rules footballer for East Fremantle. Carlisle W. Higgins, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina between 1934 and 1947.
- Popularity: Carlisle is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Carlito
Carlito is a Spanish nickname for Carlos, based on the Germanic Carl. It means “little man,” but it could just as easily be “little Charles.” Carlito is most famous for the film Carlito’s Way but is tough and cute all at once for boy names with C.
- Origin: Spanish
- Meaning: Little man
- Pronunciation: Kaar-LIY-tow
- Variations: Carlitos
- Namesakes: Carlito Lanada, a Filipino martial artist and founder of the International Kuntaw Federation. Carlito Puno, a Philippine chair of the Commission on Higher Education from 2005 to 2007.
- Popularity: Carlito is rare worldwide, mostly used in the Philippines, and ranked 115th for boys in the U.S. in 2023.
Carlos
Carlos is the most common Spanish version of Charles, meaning “valiant.” It’s the most popular of names for boys that start with C worldwide. The English Charles takes the top spot in the U.S.
- Origin: Spanish
- Meaning: Free man
- Pronunciation: KAAR-Lows
- Variations: Carlo, Carolos
- Namesakes: Carlos Santana, an American guitarist who founded the band Santana. Carlos Rivera, a Puerto Rican former baseball player for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
- Popularity: Carlos ranked 26th worldwide, is mainly used in Brazil and ranked 115th for boys in the U.S. in 2023.
Carmichael
Carmichael also means “friend of Michael” in Gaelic. It’s associated with St. Michael the archangel and as a place name in Lanarkshire, England. Carmichael comprises of the Old English “caer,” meaning “fort,” and the first name Michael.
- Origin: Gaelic, Irish
- Meaning: Follower of Michael
- Pronunciation: KAAR-maey-Kahl
- Variations: Karmichael
- Popularity: Carmichael is very rare and primarily used in the U.S.
Carmine
Carmine also means “vivid red” in Arabic. It’s the male version of Carmen based on the Latin “carminis,” meaning “of song,” for boys who love to sing.
- Origin: Italian, Latin
- Meaning: Song
- Pronunciation: KAAR-Maeyn
- Variations: Carmaine, Carmyne
- Namesakes: Carmine Appice, an American rock drummer inducted into the Classic Drummer Hall of Fame in 2013. Carmine Infantino, an American artist for DC Comics in the 1950s and 1960s.
- Popularity: Carmine is rare worldwide, mostly used in Italy, and ranked 1,282nd for boys in the U.S. in 2021.
Carson
Carson is uncommon outside of the U.S. since it’s based on the famous Western frontiersman Kit Carson. It was also a Gaelic surname meaning “son of Carr” which set the stage for little cowboys to come.
- Origin: Scottish, Irish
- Meaning: Son of the marsh-dwellers
- Pronunciation: KAAR-Sahn
- Variations: Carrson, Carsan, Carsen, Carsyn
- Namesakes: Carson Daly, an American TV host and former VJ on MTV’s Total Request Live. Carson Fagan, a Caymanian football player for East End United.
- Popularity: Carson is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 193rd for boys in 2023.
Carsten
Carsten means “follower of Christ” and “messiah” in German. It comes from the Greek “khrístós,” meaning “anointed one.” Carsten is also a North German and Dutch surname meaning “man from Karst.”
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Christian
- Pronunciation: KAAR-Stehn
- Namesakes: Carsten Spengemann, a German TV presenter for Deutschland sucht den Superstar (2002 to 2004). Carsten Dahl, a Danish jazz pianist who won the Django d’Or (Denmark).
- Popularity: Carsten is rare worldwide, primarily used in Germany, and ranked 44th in Denmark in 2014.
Carter
Carter also means “charioteer” and derives from the Gaelic “cairt,” meaning “cart.” “Cairtear” also means “tourist” in Gaelic. It’s ranked in the top 1,000 U.S. names nearly every year since 1900.
- Origin: English, Gaelic
- Meaning: Driver
- Pronunciation: KAART-er
- Variations: Cartere, Cartur, Cartyr
- Namesakes: Carter Blackburn, an American sportscaster for CBS Sports. Carter Harrison, the mayor of Chicago from 1911 to 1915.
- Popularity: Carter is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 749th for boys in 2022.
Cas
Cas means “treasurer” when based on the Persian “ganzabara.” It’s mostly a Dutch version of guy names that start with C and is short for “Casper.” As a girl’s name, Cas means “man’s defender,” based on the Greek Cassandra.
- Origin: Dutch
- Meaning: Imperial
- Pronunciation: KAHZ
- Variations: Cass, Caz, Cace
- Namesakes: Cas Spijkers, a Dutch cookbook author who hosts the program Koken met Sterren. Cas Anvar, a Canadian actor known for the sci-fi TV series The Expanse.
- Popularity: Cas is rare worldwide and mainly used in the Netherlands, ranking 976th in 2014.
Casca
Casca was a Roman personal name and surname meaning “old.” It’s rare among male names that start with C but appears in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar and The Hunger Games.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Old
- Pronunciation: KAES-kah
- Popularity: Casca is extremely rare worldwide, with only 74 known occurrences in 2014, primarily in Nigeria.
Casey
Casey comes from the Gaelic “cathasaigh,” meaning “vigilant.” It’s been relatively common for boys in the U.S. since the mid-20th-century. Casey also means “brave in battle.”
- Origin: Gaelic, Irish
- Meaning: Watchful
- Pronunciation: KEY-Siy
- Variations: Cacey, Casy, Cayce
- Namesakes: Casey Affleck, an American actor appearing in Gone Baby Gone, directed by Ben Affleck. Casey Mitchell, an American basketball player for Elitzur Ashkelon of the Israeli League.
- Popularity: Casey is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 389th for boys in 2023.
Cashel
Cashel is rooted in the Irish “caiseal,” meaning “stone fort” or “ringfort.” It was a surname for anyone from Cashel in South Tipperary, Ireland, but it also means “belonging to a castle.”
- Origin: Celtic
- Meaning: Castle, fort
- Pronunciation: KAH-Shahl
- Variations: Cashell
- Namesakes: Cashel Barnett, an American TV personality appearing on season one of Love Island USA.
- Popularity: Cashel is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Zimbabwe.
Casimir
Casimir is the Latin spelling of the Polish Kazimir. It also means “destroyer of peace” and originally appeared as Kazimierz. Girls are known as Casimira, while Casimir was the name of many famous Polish kings.
- Origin: Polish
- Meaning: Proclamation of peace
- Pronunciation: KAA-ziy-Mihr
- Variations: Casimeer, Casimere, Casimire, Cazimir
- Namesakes: Casimir Pulaski, a Polish soldier named “the father of the American cavalry.” Casimir Reuterskiöld, a Swedish sport shooter and silver medalist at the 1920 Summer Olympics.
- Popularity: Casimir is rare worldwide, primarily used in DR Congo, and ranked 50th in Poland in 2022.
Caspian
Caspian was originally given to those from the Caspian sea region. It was named after the city of Qazvin and the ancient Cas tribe. Prince Caspian is also a character in C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia series.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: White
- Pronunciation: KAES-piy-Ahn
- Variations: Caspien, Caspion, Caspiun
- Namesakes: Caspian Tredwell-Owen, an American screenwriter known for the 2005 film The Island.
- Popularity: Caspian is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 757th for boys in 2022.
Cassius
Cassius also means “vain” or “empty” and began as the Latin Cassius. It was a character in Shakespeare’s “Tragedy of Julius Caesar,” offering a great Roman influence upon boy names that start with C.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Hollow
- Pronunciation: KAES-iy-Ahs
- Variations: Casius, Casseus, Cassios
- Namesakes: Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Clay), an American boxer named Sports Personality of the Century by the BBC. Cassius Winston, an American basketball player for Bayern Munich of the German Basketball Bundesliga.
- Popularity: Cassius is rare worldwide, mainly used in Brazil, and ranked 485th for boys in the U.S. in 2021.
Cato
Cato also means “good judgment” and “wise.” It’s famous for Cato the Elder, a Roman statesman under Julius Caesar. Cato is also a Dutch girl’s pet name for Catharina.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: All-knowing
- Pronunciation: KAY-Tow
- Variations: Kato
- Namesakes: Cato Alexander, an American owner of Cato’s Tavern in New York City who is called “America’s first celebrity bartender.” Cato Hansen, a Norwegian footballer for Bryne FK.
- Popularity: Cato is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Norway, where it ranked 301st in 2014.
Cavin
Cavin was the Scottish surname Caveen, a version of Mac Dhaimhín. It also derives from the Gaelic “damh,” meaning “bard poet,” and means “beautiful at birth” for your handsome boy.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Handsome boy
- Pronunciation: KAEV-Ahn
- Variations: Cavun, Cavan, Cavyn
- Namesakes: Cavin Johnson, a South African soccer coach for Al Ahly in the Egyptian Premier League.
- Popularity: Cavin is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Kenya, ranking 1,770th in 2014.
Cecil
Cecil is based on the Latin Caecilius, from “caecus,” meaning “blind.” It’s also associated with the Welsh surname Seissylt, meaning “sixth child,” and the Latin “sextus,” meaning “six.”
- Origin: Latin, Welsh
- Meaning: Blind
- Pronunciation: SIY-sehl
- Variations: Cecel, Cecile, Cecill
- Namesakes: Cecil Day-Lewis, an Irish-British poet and the Poet Laureate from 1968 until his death in 1972. Cecil Parkinson, a British minister under Margaret Thatcher.
- Popularity: Cecil is rare worldwide, mainly used in the U.S., and ranked 23rd in Jamaica in 2014.
Cesare
Cesare is the Italian equivalent of the Roman Caesar. It also means “long-haired” in Greek. Cesare is based on the Latin “cædĕre,” meaning “overthrow” and “destroy.” It was an ancient nickname that became a title for Roman emperors.
- Origin: Latin, Italian
- Meaning: Thick head of hair
- Pronunciation: Chey-SAA-rey
- Variations: Cezary
- Namesakes: Cesare Salvi, the Italian minister of labor and social security from 2000 to 2001. Cesare Bocci, an Italian actor known for the TV series Il Commissario Montalbano.
- Popularity: Cesare is rare worldwide and primarily used in Italy, where it ranked 149th in 2014.
Chad
Chad also means “battle” or “warring.” The 7th-century bishop St. Chad is known as the founder of the Samaritans. Chad is a common modern nickname for Charles and Chadwick.
- Origin: English, Welsh
- Meaning: Protector, defender
- Pronunciation: CHAED
- Variations: Chaad, Chadd
- Namesakes: Chad Hugo, an American record producer who formed the Neptunes in the 1990s. Chad Kelly, an American football player for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League.
- Popularity: Chad is uncommon worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 1,221st for boys in 2021.
Chaim
Chaim is a variation of the Jewish Hyam. It derives from the Hebrew “hayyim,” meaning “life.” “L’Chiam” is a Yiddish expression often used as a toast, meaning “long life” for vibrant boy names with C.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Life
- Pronunciation: HHIY-ihm
- Variations: Chayim
- Namesakes: Chaim Potok, an American author whose book The Chosen (1967), was on The New York Times best-seller list. Chaim Topol, an Israeli actor appearing in the musical Fiddler on the Roof.
- Popularity: Chaim is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Chance
Chance is a fun diminutive of Chauncey. It’s been popular in the U.S. since the late 1960s, perhaps because it also means “luck.”
- Origin: English, French
- Meaning: Good fortune
- Pronunciation: CHAENS
- Variations: Chaunce, Chanse, Chantz
- Namesakes: Chance Bateman, an Australian rules football coach for the Hawthorn Football Club. Robert “Chance” Browne, an American comic strip artist known for Hi and Lois in 1989.
- Popularity: Chance is rare worldwide, primarily used in DR Congo, and ranked 359th for boys in the U.S. in 2023.
Chandler
Chandler comes from the French “chandelier,” meaning “candle seller.” It’s most recognizable as Chandler from Friends and may be up-and-coming for male names that start with C.
- Origin: French, English
- Meaning: Candle-maker
- Pronunciation: CHAEND-Ler
- Variations: Chandlar, Chandlir, Chandlor
- Namesakes: Chandler Swope, a member of the West Virginia Senate since 2017. Chandler Burr, an American journalist and contributing editor to the U.S. News & World Report.
- Popularity: Chandler is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 604th for boys in 2021.
Chang
Chang also means “unhindered.” It’s a whopping 4,500 years old. Chang is most famous for Chang Yi, the father of Chinese emperor Zhuan Xu and ranks 4th for surnames in Taiwan.
- Origin: Chinese
- Meaning: Smooth, free
- Pronunciation: CHAENG
- Namesakes: Yoon Hong-seung (known by Chang), a South Korean film director of the Korean horror film Death Bell in 2008. Chang Bunker, one of the original Siamese American conjoined twin brothers.
- Popularity: Chang is rare worldwide, mainly used in the U.S., and ranked 33rd in Macau in 2014.
Channing
Channing also means “an official of the church.” It’s an Anglo spelling of the Gaelic Ó Canain, based on “cann,” meaning “wolf-cub.” Channing was also a surname for the “people from Cana,” but it is becoming trendy for little wolf cubs.
- Origin: Gaelic, French
- Meaning: Young wolf
- Pronunciation: CHAEN-ihng
- Variations: Chaning, Channyng
- Namesakes: Channing Tatum, an American actor known for the Magic Mike films. Channing Stribling, an American football player for the Philadelphia Stars of the United States Football League (USFL).
- Popularity: Channing is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 1,692nd in 2022.
Charles
Charles derives from the Germanic “ceorl,” meaning “free man.” It has many forms, including the Latin Carolus and Italian Carlo. From Charles the Great, aka Charlemagne, to King Charles, it’s the most popular of male names that start with C.
- Origin: English, Latin
- Meaning: Free man
- Pronunciation: CHAARLZ
- Variations: Charlie
- Namesakes: Charles Dickens, an English writer best known for Great Expectations. Charles III, King of the United Kingdom and first son of Queen Elizabeth II.
- Popularity: Charles ranked 71st worldwide and is mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 148th for boys in 2023.
Chase
Chase comes from the Old French “chacier,” meaning “to chase.” It’s an Old English surname used for “huntsmen” and is also short for Chauncey. Chase is one of the more modern C names for boys that’s becoming very hip in the U.S. today.
- Origin: English, French
- Meaning: To hunt
- Pronunciation: CHAEYS
- Variations: Chaese, Chayce, Chayse
- Namesakes: Chase Ealey, an American track and field athlete, and gold medalist at the 2022 World Athletics Championships. Chase Finlay, an American principal ballet dancer with the New York City Ballet.
- Popularity: Chase is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 172nd for boys in 2022.
Chauncey
Chauncey is the official name for the nickname Chance, meaning “luck.” It was also a French-Norman surname based on a place, meaning “chancellor.”
- Origin: English, French
- Meaning: Fortune
- Pronunciation: CHAON-Siy
- Variations: Chauncie, Chauncy
- Namesakes: Chauncey Bangs, a Canadian pair skater and gold medalist at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships in 1928. Chauncey Leopardi, an American actor in the 1999 series Freaks and Geeks.
- Popularity: Chauncey is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Che
Che is the Spanish form of Joseph, meaning “God will add.” It’s known globally because of the revolutionary Che Guevara and makes an awesome middle name for little boys.
- Origin: Spanish
- Meaning: God will increase
- Pronunciation: CHEY
- Variations: Chay
- Namesakes: Che Lovelace, a Trinidadian artist and president of Trinidad’s Surfing Association in 2012. Ernesto “Che” Guevara, an Argentine Marxist revolutionary in the Cuban Revolution.
- Popularity: Che is rare worldwide and mostly used in Malaysia, where it ranked 27th in 2014.
Chester
Chester is based on the Latin “castrum,” meaning “camp.” Chester also means “walled town” and “camp of soldiers” for your revolutionary baby boy.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Fortress
- Pronunciation: CHEST-ehr
- Variations: Chestar, Chestere
- Namesakes: Chester Barrows, a Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court from 1925 until 1931. Chester Morris, an American actor known for Alibi (1929).
- Popularity: Chester is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 1,692nd for boys in 2022.
Chet
Chet is a nickname for Chester, meaning “camp of soldiers.” It was originally an English surname for people hailing from Chester, England, but it is super cute for little Chesters too.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Fortress, camp
- Pronunciation: CHEHT
- Namesakes: Chet Raymo, a writer known for the newspaper column “Science Musings” in the Boston Globe. Chet Culver, the 41st governor of Iowa, from 2007 to 2011.
- Popularity: Chet is rare worldwide, primarily used in India, and ranked 272nd in Singapore in 2014.
Chevy
Chevy is usually a diminutive of the French Chevalier. It also means “knight,” but one of the only famous Chevys today is comedian Chevy Chase.
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Horseman
- Pronunciation: CHEHV-iy
- Variations: Chevey, Chevi, Chevie
- Namesakes: Chevy Chase, an American comedian appearing on Saturday Night Live. Kevin “Chevy” Woods, an American rapper with the Taylor Gang record label.
- Popularity: Chevy is very rare worldwide, mostly used in Indonesia, and ranked 1,477th for boys in the U.S. in 2022.
Chidi
Chidi is a Nigerian nickname meaning “strongest God.” It’s also a character on NBC’s The Good Place. Chidi is used for the many Nigerian-Igbo names that begin with Chidi.
- Origin: African-Igbo
- Meaning: God exists
- Pronunciation: CHIH-Diy
- Variations: Chidey, Chidie, Chidy
- Namesakes: Chukwudi “Chidi” Imoh, a Nigerian sprinter and silver medalist at the 1992 Summer Olympics. Chidi Ngwaba, a British physician appearing on BBC One’s Food: Truth or Scare.
- Popularity: Chidi is rare worldwide and mainly used in Nigeria, ranking 265th in 2014.
Chiko
Chiko also means “light of wisdom” with Buddhist origins. It may appear as another spelling of the Spanish Chico, but it has its own meanings.
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: Arrow, pledge
- Pronunciation: CHEE-koh
- Variations: Chico
- Popularity: Chiko is rare worldwide and primarily used in Japan.
Chin
Chin started as a Chinese and Korean surname for the Chin clan. It may also be associated with the Middle English “chinne,” a literal nickname for people with prominent chins.
- Origin: Korean
- Meaning: Precious
- Pronunciation: CHIHN
- Variations: Chinh, Chinn
- Namesakes: Chin Kung, Chinese-Taiwanese Buddhist monk and founder of the Corporate Body of the Buddha Educational Foundation. Chin Han, a Singaporean actor appearing in The Dark Knight.
- Popularity: Chin is rare worldwide and mostly used in Malaysia, where it ranked 23rd in 2014.
Chip
Chip is a common diminutive for Charles, sometimes used for Richard or Christopher. It’s best known for the phrase “a chip off the old block” and cartoon chipmunks Chip and Dale.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Free man
- Pronunciation: CHIHP
- Variations: Chipp, Chyp
- Namesakes: Chip Gaines, an American TV personality on the series Fixer Upper. Chip Duncan, an American filmmaker who directed Eden (1996).
- Popularity: Chip is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 401st for boys in 2023.
Christian
Christian is based on the Latin “Christianus,” meaning “a follower of Christ.” It was a term for Christians, which became one of the traditional guy names that start with C. Christian has ranked in the top 1,000 U.S. boy’s names since 1900.
- Origin: English, Latin
- Meaning: Anointed one
- Pronunciation: KRIHS-Chahn
- Variations: Christien, Christyan, Christiaan
- Namesakes: Christian Bale, an English actor known for The Dark Knight Trilogy films. Christian Dior, a French fashion designer and founder of the House of Dior.
- Popularity: Christian ranked 153rd worldwide, is primarily used in France and ranked 90th for boys in the U.S. in 2023.
Christopher
Christopher originated as the Greek Christophoros. It’s made up of “Christós,” meaning “Christ,” and “phérein,” meaning “to bear.” Christopher was originally a name for Christians but is still popular today among names for boys that start with C.
- Origin: Greek, English
- Meaning: Christ-bearer
- Pronunciation: KRIHS-taa-Fer
- Variations: Cristofer, Christoffer, Cristopher
- Namesakes: Christopher Hemsworth, an Australian actor starring in the Thor films. Christopher McFadden (known as Christopher Pike), an American YA and children’s fiction author.
- Popularity: Christopher ranked 163rd worldwide and is mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 56th in 2023.
Chuck
Chuck is a very rough and ready nickname for Charles. It may also come from the Middle English “chukken,” meaning “to chuck.” Chuck isn’t as well-known and has a cowboy flair for those boys who crave it.
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Free man
- Pronunciation: CHUHK
- Namesakes: Chuck Norris, an American actor known for the CBS TV series Walker, Texas Ranger from 1993 until 2001. Chuck Berry, an American musician best known for “Johnny B. Goode” (1958).
- Popularity: Chuck is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Cian
Cian also means “enduring” in Gaelic. In Irish folklore, Cian Mac Mael Muad led the armies of Munster to victory over the invading Vikings. Cian was also ranked eighth in Irish boy’s names over the years.
- Origin: Irish, Gaelic
- Meaning: Ancient
- Pronunciation: KIY-Ahn
- Variations: Kian, Cianán
- Namesakes: Cian Healy, an Irish rugby player for the Ireland national team. Cian Ciarán, a Welsh musician in the band Super Furry Animals.
- Popularity: Cian is rare worldwide, primarily used in China, and ranked 406th in Ireland in 2014.
Ciel
Ciel also means “sky” in French. It’s popular among boy names that start with C in the Netherlands, where it means “shield” and “scholar” in Dutch.
- Origin: French, Dutch
- Meaning: From heaven
- Pronunciation: SIYL
- Variations: Ceil, Cele, Cile, Cille
- Namesakes: Jociel Ferreira da Silva (known as Ciel), a Brazilian footballer for Tombense.
- Popularity: Ciel is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the Netherlands.
Cillian
Cillian also means “little warrior.” It comes from the Celtic “ceallach,” meaning “war” and “battle.” Cillian can also mean “monk’s cell” or “little church” when taken from the Irish “ceall.”
- Origin: Irish, Gaelic
- Meaning: Bright-headed
- Pronunciation: KIHL-Yaen
- Variations: Cillin, Killian
- Namesakes: Cillian Murphy, an Irish actor known for the BBC series Peaky Blinders. Cillian Morrison, an Irish Gaelic footballer for the Donegal county team.
- Popularity: Cillian is very rare worldwide, mainly used in Ireland, and ranked 743rd for boys in the U.S. in 2021.
Clancy
Clancy was taken from the Gaelic Mac Fhlannchaidh, meaning “son of the ruddy warrior.” It’s best known as a nickname for Clarence, with an old-world feel.
- Origin: Gaelic
- Meaning: Red-haired warrior
- Pronunciation: KLAEN-Siy
- Variations: Clancey, Clanci, Clancie
- Namesakes: Clarence “Clancy” Brown, an American actor known for The Shawshank Redemption (1994). Clancy Chassa, an English journalist for The Guardian.
- Popularity: Clancy is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Clark
Clark was first an Old English surname meaning “clergyman” or “learned man.” It comes from the Old English “clerc,” meaning “priest,” or Latin “clericus,” meaning “clerk.”
- Origin: English, Irish
- Meaning: Cleric, clerk
- Pronunciation: KLAARK
- Variations: Clarke
- Namesakes: Clark Gable, an American actor in over 60 films called “The King of Hollywood.” Clark Kellogg, an American basketball player for the Indiana Pacers.
- Popularity: Clark is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 262nd for boys in the U.S. in 2020.
Claude
Claude harks back to the Roman Claudius. It’s also associated with the Old German “laut,” meaning “celebrated” and “distinguished.” Claude has an interesting set of meanings, including “lame” in Latin.
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Strong-willed
- Pronunciation: KLAOD
- Variations: Claud
- Namesakes: Claude Rouer, a French road cyclist and bronze medalist at the 1952 Summer Olympics. Claude Rains, a British actor appearing in The Invisible Man (1933).
- Popularity: Claude ranked 404th worldwide and is mainly used in France, where it ranked 4th in 2014.
Clay
Clay is taken from the Old English “clæg,” meaning “sticky earth.” It also means “mortal” and “of the earth.” Clay was first an occupational surname for someone who lived on clay land or worked with clay.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Clay worker
- Pronunciation: KLEY
- Variations: Clae, Claye
- Namesakes: Clay Guida, an American mixed martial artist in the UFC Lightweight division. Clay Jenkins, the county judge for Dallas County, Texas, since 2011.
- Popularity: Clay is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 432nd for boys in 2023.
Clete
Clete also means “illustrious” or “invoked.” It derives from the Greek Kleitos, meaning “glory.”
- Origin: English, Greek
- Meaning: Called forth
- Pronunciation: KLEET
- Variations: Cletus
- Namesakes: Clete Boyer, an American baseball player for the New York Yankees (1959 to 1966). Clete Roberts, an American broadcast journalist who appeared in episodes of the TV series M*A*S*H.
- Popularity: Clete is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Clifford
Clifford also means “dweller beside the ford by the cliff.” It was an English surname meaning “cliff-side ford” and a village in West Yorkshire. The town housed Clifford castle, but Cliffordville is anywhere your handsome little Cliff resides.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Ford by a cliff
- Pronunciation: KLIHF-aord
- Variations: Cliford, Clyfford
- Namesakes: Clifford Campbell, the second governor-general of Jamaica from 1962 to 1973. Clifford Longley, an English journalist for The Times from 1967 to 1992.
- Popularity: Clifford is uncommon worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 1,258th for boys in 2021.
Clinton
Clinton also means “settlement on a hill” or “from the headland estate.” It was an English surname meaning “dweller at the farmstead on the summit.” Clinton may be best associated with Bill Clinton’s last name, but it’s also based on the British village Glympton.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Hilltop town
- Pronunciation: KLINT-ahn
- Variations: Clint
- Namesakes: Clinton “Clint” Eastwood, an American actor/director known for the 2004 film Million Dollar Baby. Clinton Babbitt, a U.S. Representative from Wisconsin from 1891 to 1893.
- Popularity: Clinton is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 1,477th for boys in 2022.
Clive
Clive was first a surname for people who lived “near a cliff or steep riverbank.” It derives from the Old English “clif,” meaning “slope,” but is a more sophisticated version of Cliff.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Cliff, slope
- Pronunciation: KLAEYV
- Variations: Cliv, Clyve
- Namesakes: Clive Owen, an English actor known for the film Closer (2004). Clive Barker, an English filmmaker of the Hellraiser series.
- Popularity: Clive is rare worldwide, mostly used in England, and ranked 127th in Wales in 2014.
Clovis
Clovis is a German derivative of Louis. It was also taken from the Latin Clodovicus, a version of Ludwig. Clovis also means “renowned fighter” and “warrior,” so it is tougher than it sounds.
- Origin: French, German
- Meaning: Famous battle
- Pronunciation: KLOW-Vihs
- Namesakes: Clovis-Thomas Richard, the Canadian Provincial Secretary-Treasurer of New Brunswick from 1935 to 1940.
- Popularity: Clovis is rare worldwide, mainly used in Brazil, and ranked 312th in Burundi in 2014.
Cloyd
Cloyd is an Anglo spelling of the Welsh Clwyd, inspired by the River Clwyd in Wales. The Cloyd family surname comes from ancient Scottish clans and the name Leod. It may translate today as the last name MacLeod.
- Origin: French, English
- Meaning: One who works with hammers and nails
- Pronunciation: KLOYD
- Variations: Cloy, Cloid
- Namesakes: Cloyd Boyer, an American baseball player for the St. Louis Cardinals. Cloyd Porter, a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly between 1973 and 2001.
- Popularity: Cloyd is very rare and primarily used in the U.S.
Cnut
Cnut is a unique variation of the Scandinavian Knut, based on the Old Norse “knútr,” meaning “knot.” Cnut was a famous king who once ruled Denmark, Norway, and England all at once.
- Origin: Scandinavian
- Meaning: Knot
- Pronunciation: Kah-NYOOT
- Variations: Canute
- Namesakes: Cnut the Great, the 11th-century king of England, Denmark, and Norway.
- Popularity: Cnut is extremely rare worldwide, with only four known occurrences in 2014, in Northern Ireland, Germany, Sweden, and Thailand.
Coen
Coen is a German variation of Conrad that appears most in the Netherlands. It was once Coenraad, made up of “koen,” meaning “brave,” and “raad,” meaning “advice.”
- Origin: Dutch, German
- Meaning: Bold advisor
- Pronunciation: KOON
- Variations: Cohen
- Namesakes: Coen Verbraak, a Dutch journalist for Vrij Nederland. Coen Vermeltfoort, a Dutch racing cyclist for the VolkerWessels Cycling Team.
- Popularity: Coen is rare worldwide and mostly used in the Netherlands, where it ranked 332nd in 2014.
Cole
Coal is both English and French when based on the personal name Coul(e). It’s also a nickname for Nicholas that means “coal black.” Cole has ranked in the top 200 U.S. boys’ names every year of the 21st-century.
- Origin: English, Greek
- Meaning: Victory of the people
- Pronunciation: KOWL
- Variations: Coal, Coale
- Namesakes: Cole Hauser, an American actor known for the film Tigerland. Cole Perfetti, a Canadian ice hockey player for the Winnipeg Jets.
- Popularity: Cole is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 132nd for boys in 2021.
Colin
Collin is the English variation of the Scottish Cailean, meaning “whelp” or “cub.” Colin is also a nickname for the French Colle, based on Nicholas, so it’s certainly come a long way.
- Origin: French, Gaelic
- Meaning: Cub
- Pronunciation: KAH-Lihn
- Variations: Collin, Collins
- Namesakes: Colin Quinn, an American comedian on Saturday Night Live from 1995 to 2000. Colin Cunningham, an English swimmer and bronze medalist at the 1974 British Commonwealth Games.
- Popularity: Colin is uncommon worldwide, primarily used in England, and ranked 389th for boys in the U.S. in 2023.
Colum
Colum is the Irish short form of Columba, meaning “dove” in Latin. Saint Columba was the 6th-century patron saint of Derry, Ireland, and one of the more distinct C names for boys.
- Origin: Irish, Gaelic
- Meaning: Dove
- Pronunciation: KOW-Lahm
- Variations: Calum, Callum
- Namesakes: Colum Sands, an Irish singer-songwriter with The Sands Family. Colum Corless, an Irish hurler for the Galway senior team.
- Popularity: Colum is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Ireland, where it ranked 536th in 2014.
Colt
Colt also means “filly,” a term for a young, wild horse. It comes from the Middle English “colte,” also used for young bucks like yours.
- Origin: English, Latin
- Meaning: Young horse
- Pronunciation: KOWLT
- Variations: Kolt
- Namesakes: Colton Brennan, an American football player for the Washington Redskins. Colt Knost, an American golfer, and commentator for CBS Sports.
- Popularity: Colt is very rare and mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 150th for boys in 2023.
Côme
Côme is an obscure French version of Cosmo, meaning “decency.” It also means “universe.” Côme ranked in France’s top 100 boys’ names over the last decade.
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Order
- Pronunciation: COHME
- Popularity: Côme is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Cameroon, ranking 1,415th in 2014.
Conan
Conan also means “little hound.” It’s made up of the Irish “cú,” meaning “hound” or “wolf.” In Irish myth, Conan was a famous warrior. Conan the Barbarian, or Conan O’Brien, makes this awesome name special for any type of boy.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Little wolf
- Pronunciation: KOW-Naen
- Variations: Conen, Connan, Connen
- Namesakes: Conan O’Brien, an American talk show host of The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien (2009 to 2010). Conan Byrne, an Irish footballer for Glenavon F.C.
- Popularity: Conan is very rare worldwide, mostly used in the U.S., and ranked 1,478th in Ireland in 2014.
Conner
Conner comes from the Gaelic Conchobhar, meaning “lover of hounds.” It also means “hunter” but is associated with dogs since they are revered in Irish legend.
- Origin: Irish, Gaelic
- Meaning: Lover of hounds
- Pronunciation: KAAN-aor
- Variations: Connor
- Namesakes: Conner Henry, an American basketball player for the Houston Rockets. Conner Reeves, an English musician known for the 1997 album Earthbound.
- Popularity: Conner is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 634th for boys in 2022.
Constantine
Constantine derives from the Latin Constantinus. It combines Constans and Constantius, both meaning “steadfast.” The Roman emperor Constantine was the first to convert to Christianity in the 4th-century.
- Origin: Latin, Greek
- Meaning: Constant
- Pronunciation: KAAN-stahn-Tiyn
- Variations: Constantin
- Namesakes: Constantine-Silvanus, the 7th-century founder of the Paulicians, a Christian movement in Armenia. Constantine Joseph Smyth, the Chief Justice of the Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia from 1917 to 1924.
- Popularity: Constantine is rare worldwide, primarily used in DR Congo, and ranked 775th for boys in the U.S. in 2021.
Constanzo
Constanzo is based on the personal name Costante, meaning “firm” and “steadfast.” It was once the Latin Constantius, yet it is one of the more entertaining male names that start with C.
- Origin: Italian, Latin
- Meaning: Constant
- Pronunciation: Khan-STAENZ-ow
- Variations: Constanze, Constanz
- Namesakes: Costanzo Varolio, a 16th-century papal physician to Pope Gregory XIII. Costanzo Preve, an Italian philosopher specializing in Marxism.
- Popularity: Constanzo is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Mexico.
Cooper
Cooper is based on the Middle English “couper,” meaning “barrel maker.” It was a medieval English surname for someone who made barrels, casks, and other containers for a living.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Barrel maker
- Pronunciation: KUW-Per
- Variations: Coopar, Coopor, Coopur
- Namesakes: Cooper Huckabee, an American actor appearing in the 1993 film Gettysburg. Cooper Vuna, a New Zealand rugby player for the Newcastle Falcons.
- Popularity: Cooper is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 67th for boys in 2021.
Cormac
Cormac also means “son of the charioteer.” It’s the name of the 3rd-century King of Ireland, Cormac Mac Airt. Cormac appears in Old Norse as Kormákr, but is Irish all the way for today’s little guy.
- Origin: Irish, Norse
- Meaning: Charioteer
- Pronunciation: KAOR-Maek
- Variations: Cormack
- Namesakes: Cormac McCarthy, an American writer whose novel The Road won the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Cormac Breslin, the Irish Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann from 1967 to 1973.
- Popularity: Cormac is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Ireland, ranking 248th in 2014.
Cortez
Cortez was a Spanish surname derived from the French “corteis.” It also means “refined” and “accomplished.” Cortez ranked in the U.S. boy’s name list in 1882 and 1972. It ranked 533rd in 1990 as a unique name for someone with good manners.
- Origin: Spanish, French
- Meaning: Courteous
- Pronunciation: Kaor-TEHZ
- Variations: Cortes
- Namesakes: Cortez Broughton, an American football player for the Buffalo Bills. Cortez Gray, an American basketball player for the Toledo Jim White Chevrolets in 1942 and 1943.
- Popularity: Cortez is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Corvus
Corvus is Latin for “raven” and “crow.” In Roman mythology, crows are sacred messenger birds for the god Apollo. Corvus is linked to the English surname Corbin and is super scientific for one special young boy.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Crow
- Pronunciation: KOR-vihs
- Popularity: Corvus is extremely rare worldwide, with only 55 known occurrences in 2014, primarily in Russia.
Corwin
Corwin also means “companion,” associated with the Middle English “cordewan,” an occupational surname given to leather workers.
- Origin: Gaelic
- Meaning: Heart’s friend
- Pronunciation: KAOR-Wehn
- Variations: Corwan, Corwen, Corwine, Corwyn
- Namesakes: Corwin M. Nixon, a member of the Ohio House of Representatives from 1967 to 1992. Corwin Brown, an American football player for the New England Patriots.
- Popularity: Corwin is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Cory
Corey may be a variation of the female Cora, the maiden name for the Greek goddess Persephone. It’s more likely based on the Gaelic “coire,” meaning “in a cauldron.” In Old Norse, Cory appears as Kori and means “multitudes.”
- Origin: English, Irish
- Meaning: From the hollow
- Pronunciation: KAOR-iy
- Variations: Corey
- Namesakes: Cory Booker, a junior U.S. senator from New Jersey since 2013. Cory Doctorow, a Canadian-British co-editor of the blog Boing Boing.
- Popularity: Cory is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., where it ranked 1,155th for boys in 2022.
Costin
Costin also means “steadfast,” derived from the Latin “constantinus,” meaning “the steady one.” Costin is also the Anglo-French surname Casteyn, meaning “chestnut.” It’s regularly used along with Romanian guy names that start with C.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Constant
- Pronunciation: KAHZ-Tihn
- Namesakes: Costin Petrescu, a Romanian-French composer with the bands Olympic 64 and Phoenix. Costin Curelea, a Romanian assistant coach at CFR Cluj.
- Popularity: Costin is rare worldwide and mainly used in Romania, where it ranked 179th in 2014.
Cove
Cove comes from the Old English “cofa,” meaning “chamber.” Cove was once an English surname for someone living near a “cofa,” or small bay. Cove is also a well-known slang word for a guy, like a bloke or chap.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Small bay
- Pronunciation: KOHVE
- Namesakes: Cove Reber, an American singer-songwriter and member of the rock band Dead American.
- Popularity: Cove is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Ecuador, ranking 983rd in 2014.
Craig
Craig derives from the Scottish Gaelic “creag,” meaning “rock.” The Scottish surname Craig was also a nickname for people living near a rocky place that managed to stick.
- Origin: Gaelic, Scottish
- Meaning: Rocky
- Pronunciation: KREYG
- Variations: Craeg, Craige, Craigg
- Namesakes: Craig Unger, an American journalist and deputy editor of The New York Observer. Craig MacLean, a Scottish track cyclist and silver medalist at the 2000 Olympics.
- Popularity: Craig ranked 1,125th worldwide and is mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 328th for boys in 2023.
Cray
Cray comes from the Scottish Gaelic “craeg,” meaning “rock.” It’s a nickname for Craig, which is super unique anywhere you and your little guy live.
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning: Rocky
- Pronunciation: KREY
- Variations: Craye
- Popularity: Cray is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Cambodia.
Crew
Crew goes back to 6th-century Wales with the surname Crewe. The Welsh “cryw” means “weir” or “ford.” It’s also the English word for a group of people working together. Crew is one of the more unusual boy names with C that’s catching on, especially in the U.S.
- Origin: Welsh, English
- Meaning: Chariot
- Pronunciation: KRUW
- Variations: Crewe
- Popularity: Crew is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 266th for boys in 2021.
Crosby
Crosby also means “dweller by the crossing.” It’s composed of the Old Norse “kross,” meaning “cross” and “byr,” meaning “farm” or “settlement.” Crosby is one of many interesting surnames among names for boys that start with C.
- Origin: Scandinavian
- Meaning: At the cross
- Pronunciation: KRAWS-Biy
- Variations: Crosbey, Crosbi, Crosbie
- Popularity: Crosby is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 930th for boys in 2021.
Crowley
Crowley is better known as a surname, an Anglo spelling of the Irish O’Cruadhlaoich. It’s made up of the Gaelic “cruadh,” meaning “hardy,” and “laoch,” meaning “hero.”
- Origin: Gaelic, English
- Meaning: Descendent of the hardy warrior
- Pronunciation: CROW-lee
- Variations: Crow
- Popularity: Crowley is extremely rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Cruz
Cruz was first a surname from Castile, Spain, derived from the Latin “crux,” meaning “cross.” Cruz is also popular in Portuguese cultures and also means “the cross of Christ.”
- Origin: Spanish, Portuguese
- Meaning: Cross
- Pronunciation: KRUWS
- Variations: Cruiz, Cruse, Cruze
- Namesakes: Cruz Bustamante, the 45th Lieutenant Governor of California from 1999 to 2007. Cruz Reynoso, the first Chicano Associate Justice of the California Supreme Court from 1982 to 1987.
- Popularity: Cruz is uncommon worldwide, primarily used in Mexico, and ranked 297th for boys in the U.S. in 2021.
Cullen
Cullen is based on the Gaelic surname Cuileannain, meaning “son of the holy one.” Cullen sometimes appears as Cuillean or O’Cuillean, meaning “whelp” in Irish, and is even a variation of Colin.
- Origin: Gaelic, Irish
- Meaning: Handsome
- Pronunciation: CUH-Lehn
- Variations: Culen, Cullan
- Namesakes: Cullen Bunn, an American comics writer for X-Men: Blue. Cullen Rogers, an American football player for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Popularity: Cullen is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 1,258th for boys in 2022.
Curtis
Curtis also means “courteous” and “well-bred.” It’s made up of the French “curt,” meaning “court,” and “eis,” meaning “ish.” Curtis ranked in the top 200 U.S. boy names for much of the 20th-century.
- Origin: English, French
- Meaning: Courteous, polite
- Pronunciation: KER-Tiss
- Variations: Curtiss, Courtis, Curtice
- Namesakes: Curtis Jackson III (known as 50 Cent), an American rapper with over 30 million albums sold worldwide. Curtis Stone, an Australian celebrity chef, and ambassador for Coles Supermarkets in Australia since 2010.
- Popularity: Curtis is uncommon worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 846th for boys in 2022.
Cutler
Cutler was an occupational surname for someone who was a “maker of cutting instruments.” It uses the Middle English root “co(u)tel,” meaning “knife,” to get its point across.
- Origin: English, Latin
- Meaning: Knifemaker
- Pronunciation: KUT-Lehr
- Namesakes: Cutler J. Cleveland, an American science author and editor-in-chief of the Digital Universe Encyclopedia of Earth.
- Popularity: Cutler is very rare and primarily used in the U.S.
Cypress
Cypress originated as the ancient Greek Kyparissos, a little boy who accidentally killed his stag in a Greek myth. The cypress tree has a more literal meaning, which represents the everlasting tree of life.
- Origin: English, Greek
- Meaning: Cypress tree
- Pronunciation: SAEY-Prihs
- Variations: Cyprus
- Popularity: Cypress is very rare and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 1,644th for boys in 2021.
Cyrano
Cyrano might mean “from a Greek island,” but it’s best associated with Cyrano de Bergerac. Cyrano is based on the Greek “cyrene,” meaning “throne” or “sun,” for your young prince in the making.
- Origin: French, Greek
- Meaning: Of Cyrene
- Pronunciation: SIHR-ah-Now
- Variations: Cirano, Ciranno, Cyran, Cyranno
- Namesakes: Cyrano de Bergerac, a French novelist who inspired Edmond Rostand’s play, Cyrano de Bergerac (1897).
- Popularity: Cyrano is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Cyrus
Cyrus was originally the Greek spelling of the Persian Kûrush, from “khur,” meaning “sun.” It’s also associated with the Greek “kyrios,” meaning “lord.” Cyrus the Great was the father of the ancient Persian Empire, but he can be your little lord too.
- Origin: Greek, Arabic
- Meaning: Lord
- Pronunciation: SAEY-Rahs
- Variations: Ciris, Cirus, Cyress, Cyris
- Namesakes: Cyrus Pattinson, a British boxer for Birtley ABC. Cyrus Frisch, a Dutch filmmaker who directed Forgive Me (2001).
- Popularity: Cyrus is rare worldwide, primarily used in Kenya, and ranked 328th for boys in the U.S. in 2022.
C Names for Boys FAQs
What are Rare Boy Names That Start With C?
There’s no shortage of rare boy names that start with C, such as Carlisle, Cullen, and Carden. There’s also Cloyd, meaning “of a Scottish river,” Cavin, meaning “beautiful at birth,” and Costin, meaning “steadfast.” Many C names for boys have Irish, Scottish, and Gaelic origins for boys who wish to stand out.
What is the Most Popular C Name for Boys?
Charles is currently the most popular C name for boys. It ranked 71st globally and is mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 148th for boys in 2023. Christopher and Carter aren’t far behind, but Charles is definitely tops regarding overall popularity. Carlos ranked 61st worldwide but was only ranked 115th in the U.S. in 2023.
