Last Names Starting with C: A Comprehensive List

Looking for a unique and meaningful last name that starts with the letter C? This comprehensive list provides over 40 last names, delving into their origins, meanings, and historical significance. Whether you're exploring family history or simply seeking inspiration for a new character, this guide has you covered.
1. **Campbell:** From the Gaelic "Cam Beul," meaning "crooked mouth," likely referring to a geographical feature. Associated with Scottish clans and notable figures like the Duke of Argyll.

2. **Carter:** Derived from the Old French "charretier," meaning "cart driver," a common occupation in medieval times. A name signifying strength, practicality, and a connection to the land.

3. **Carson:** From the Gaelic "Cairis," meaning "love" or "charity," a name associated with kindness and compassion. It can also refer to someone who resides near a marsh or bog.

4. **Castillo:** Spanish for "castle," a name that suggests nobility, protection, and a strong lineage. Found throughout Latin America and Spain.

5. **Chan:** From the Chinese "曾," meaning "ancestor" or "lineage," a name denoting family history and respect for tradition. Common in Cantonese-speaking communities.

6. **Chapman:** Derived from the Middle English "cheapman," meaning "merchant" or "trader," a name historically associated with commerce and travel.

7. **Charles:** From the Germanic "Karl," meaning "free man" or "strong man," a name associated with leadership, courage, and determination.

8. **Chase:** An English name derived from the Old French "chasse," meaning "hunt," signifying a skilled hunter or someone who lives in a hunting area.

9. **Chen:** From the Chinese "陈," meaning "to lay out" or "to arrange," a name signifying order, structure, and a connection to the natural world.

10. **Clark:** From the Middle English "clerk," meaning "scholar" or "secretary," a name indicating literacy, knowledge, and administrative skills.

11. **Clayton:** An English place name derived from the words "clay" and "town," signifying a settlement near clay deposits.

12. **Clement:** From the Latin "clemens," meaning "merciful" or "gentle," a name denoting kindness, compassion, and a peaceful nature.

13. **Clifford:** An English place name derived from the words "cliff" and "ford," signifying a settlement near a ford crossing a cliff.

14. **Collins:** An occupational name derived from the word "collier," meaning "coal miner," signifying a connection to the coal industry.

15. **Colt:** Derived from the Old English "colt," meaning "young male horse," a name symbolizing strength, agility, and a connection to the equestrian world.

16. **Cook:** An occupational name derived from the word "cook," signifying a skilled culinary professional.

17. **Cooper:** An occupational name derived from the word "cooper," meaning "barrel maker," signifying craftsmanship and a connection to the wood industry.

18. **Crawford:** A Scottish place name derived from the words "croft" and "ford," signifying a settlement near a ford crossing a croft (small farm).

19. **Cruz:** From the Spanish "cruz," meaning "cross," a name associated with Christianity and spiritual significance.

20. **Curtis:** A name derived from the Latin "curtis," meaning "court" or "courtyard," signifying a connection to a royal residence or a noble family.

21. **Cunningham:** From the Gaelic "Cùinneain," meaning "corner" or "nook," likely referring to a geographic location or a place of refuge.

22. **Curry:** An occupational name derived from the word "curryer," meaning "leather worker," signifying a connection to the leather trade.

23. **Dalton:** An English place name derived from the words "dale" and "town," signifying a settlement in a valley.

24. **Daniel:** From the Hebrew "Daniyyel," meaning "God is my judge," a name associated with wisdom, justice, and divine judgment.

25. **Davidson:** A patronymic name meaning "son of David," a name associated with strength, leadership, and a connection to the biblical figure King David.

26. **Davis:** A patronymic name meaning "son of David," a name associated with strength, leadership, and a connection to the biblical figure King David.

27. **Dawson:** From the Old English "Daws" meaning "dawn" or "daybreak," a name signifying new beginnings, hope, and optimism.

28. **Dean:** Derived from the Old English "dean," meaning "valley" or "glade," a name suggesting tranquility, peace, and a connection to nature.

29. **Delgado:** From the Spanish "delgado," meaning "slender" or "thin," a name that suggests elegance, grace, and a lean physique.

30. **Dennis:** From the Greek "Dionysus," the god of wine and revelry, a name signifying celebration, joy, and a connection to the arts.

31. **Diaz:** From the Spanish "Diaz," meaning "day," a name signifying light, brightness, and a connection to the cycle of life.

32. **Dickson:** A patronymic name meaning "son of Dick," a name associated with strength, determination, and a bold personality.

33. **Dodd:** From the Old English "dod," meaning "meadow" or "pasture," a name suggesting tranquility, peace, and a connection to the land.

34. **Donald:** From the Gaelic "Domhnall," meaning "world ruler," a name associated with leadership, power, and a strong personality.

35. **Donovan:** From the Gaelic "Donnchadh," meaning "dark-haired warrior," a name associated with strength, courage, and a warrior spirit.

36. **Douglas:** A Scottish place name derived from the words "dark" and "water," signifying a settlement near a dark stream or river.

37. **Downey:** From the Gaelic "Dúnaidhe," meaning "fortified hill," a name suggesting strength, protection, and a strategic location.

38. **Drake:** From the Old English "drake," meaning "male duck," a name symbolizing agility, resilience, and a connection to the water.

39. **Dyer:** An occupational name derived from the word "dyer," meaning "one who dyes cloth," signifying craftsmanship and a connection to the textile industry.

40. **Edwards:** A patronymic name meaning "son of Edward," a name associated with wealth, prosperity, and a connection to the English royal family.