popular boy names that start with c - meanings and origins

Boy names that start with C have a sophisticated, classic style. The letter C evokes images of confident leaders, creative geniuses, and courageous adventurers. Choosing a C name connects your son to men of character and charisma throughout history.

Popular C names like Charles, Christopher, and Connor have never truly gone out of style. At the same time, C names on the rise like Cassius, Crawford, and Cillian have a modern flair. The versatility of C names makes them a perfect choice for baby boys.

Cameron: Intelligent helper and leader originally from the Scottish surname Cameron. Comes from the Gaelic word "camshron" meaning crooked nose. Famous bearers include actor Cameron Diaz and former British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Carter: One who transports goods by cart or wagon. Originally an English occupational last name referring to a person who made or used carts. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter brought this name into the spotlight.

Caleb: Faithful and devoted in Hebrew. Born in the Bible as one of only two ancient Israelites allowed into the Promised Land. Actor Caleb McLaughlin portrayed Lucas Sinclair on the hit TV series "Stranger Things."

Cillian: Gaelic name meaning "church." The anglicized form of Ceallacháin, an old Irish personal name derived from the word ceallach meaning church. Popularized internationally by Irish actor Cillian Murphy.

Caden: Fighter who excels in battle. From the Gaelic surname Mac Cadáin, which means "son of Cadán." In Irish legend, Cadán was known as the hermit of Roscommon county. Rising in use and popularity over the past decade.

Cruz: Cross in Spanish referring to the Christian cross on which Jesus was crucified. Originally a last name in honor of the cross, it is now given as a first name to boys across Latin America and the southwestern United States.

Cairo: From the Arabic name Al Qahirah meaning "the victorious city." It references Cairo, the bustling capital of Egypt which gets its name from the Arabic phrase meaning “the city victorious.” Associated with adventure and wanderlust thanks to its connection to travel.

Callum: Dove in Latin. Of Scottish origin from the Latin word "columba" meaning dove. Also associated with wisdom and peace.

Canaan: Referring to the Biblical promised land of Israel. Meaning the land of purple from the Semitic root word "kna'an." A name with ancient history and spiritual meaning.

Cassius: Empty, hollow. From the Roman family name Cassius, possibly derived from the Latin word "cassus" meaning empty or vain. Muhammad Ali first used this as his own name, bringing attention Cassius.

Cedar: A conifer tree known for its longevity, hardiness, and aromatic wood. Associated with strength, dependability, and vitality.

Cesar: To cut. Variant of the name Caesar, tracing back to the Roman family name Caesar possibly from the Latin word "caedere" meaning to cut. Famous namesake is the French mime Cesar Romero known for his portrayal of the Joker.

Cisco: A nickname meaning "free man" derived from the Spanish name Francisco and also referring to the technology company Cisco Systems. Lends a casual, friendly style.

Clark: Clerk, scholar. Originally an English occupational surname referring to a literate man or secretary. An intellectual, distinguished name made famous by Superman's alter ego Clarke Kent.

Clayton: Settlement with good clay. From an English place name denoting a town near an area with clay soil good for making bricks. Has an earthy, rugged feel.

Clement: Merciful, gentle. From the Late Latin name Clemens meaning mild, merciful. Made famous by the folk song "Oh My Darling, Clementine."

Clifford: Ford near a cliff. An English surname referring to someone living by a ford near a cliff. Sounds distinguished yet approachable.

Colton: From the coal/charcoal town. An English habitational last name indicating someone who lived in towns with dark-colored coal and charcoal industries.

Conall: Strong as a wolf. From old Irish "cu" meaning hound or wolf and "all" meaning strong. In legend Conall Cernach was an undefeated warrior.

Corbin: Raven or crow. From the French surname Corbin derived from the Latin word "corvus" meaning raven or crow. Associated with mystique and magic.

Cormac: Son of defilement. Ancient Irish name with unclear etymology, possibly meaning "son of defilement" referring to an obscure ancient god named Crom Cruach.

Crispin: Curly headed. From the Roman name Crispinus meaning curly-haired. Revered in Catholicism as the patron saint of shoemakers, leather workers, and tanners.

Cruz: Cross in Spanish referring to the Christian cross. Made popular by celebrity couple David and Victoria Beckham who named their son Cruz Beckham.

Cyrus: From the Persian name Kūrush meaning throne or sun. The first Cyrus in history created the Persian empire in 6th century BC, making this an power name.

Caspian: Of the Caspian Sea. Possibly from the name of the Caspian Sea which came from the name Qazvin, a city along its western coast.

Carlton: From the peasant's town. Derived from an Old English place name meaning settlement of free peasants or churls. A sophisticated English name.

Callahan: Descendent of Ceallachán, an ancient Irish masculine name meaning "bright-headed". Callahan has Irish flair and brightness.