Last Names Starting with C: A Comprehensive List

Are you searching for a unique and meaningful last name that starts with the letter C? Look no further! This comprehensive list features over 40 last names beginning with C, each accompanied by detailed explanations of their origins and meanings. Whether you're exploring your family history, seeking inspiration for a fictional character, or simply curious about the etymology of names, this list has something for everyone.
1. **Campbell:** From the Gaelic "Cambel," meaning "crooked mouth" or "twisted mouth." This surname has strong Scottish roots and is associated with the Campbell clan, one of the most prominent in Scottish history.
2. **Carmichael:** Derived from the Old Gaelic "Cár-machail," meaning "field of the champion" or "battlefield." This surname is predominantly found in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
3. **Carter:** An occupational surname for someone who transported goods by cart. This name is commonly found in English-speaking countries, particularly in England and the United States.
4. **Carson:** Derived from the Old English "Ceres," meaning "person from the marsh or swamp." This surname originated in England and is now widely spread across the world.
5. **Castillo:** A Spanish surname derived from the word "castillo," meaning "castle." It is often associated with families who lived near castles or who were associated with castle defense.
6. **Cavanaugh:** An Irish surname derived from the Gaelic "Ó Catháin," meaning "descendant of Cathán." Cathán is an Irish name meaning "battle fire" or "fiery battle."
7. **Chavez:** A Spanish surname originating from the Basque word "Chavarri," meaning "stone dwelling." This name is common in Spain, Mexico, and the southwestern United States.
8. **Chen:** A Chinese surname meaning "morning" or "dawn." It is one of the most common surnames in China and is often associated with people who are bright, energetic, and optimistic.
9. **Clark:** An occupational surname for a clerk or scribe. This name is common in English-speaking countries, especially in England and the United States.
10. **Clayton:** Derived from the Old English "clay" and "tūn," meaning "clay farm" or "farm on the clay soil." This surname is primarily found in England and its former colonies.
11. **Clemens:** A Latin surname derived from the word "Clemens," meaning "merciful" or "gentle." This name is popular in many countries, including Germany, Italy, and the United States.
12. **Clifford:** Derived from the Old English "clif" and "ford," meaning "ford by the cliff." This surname is common in England and its former colonies.
13. **Clinton:** Derived from the Old English "clīf" and "tūn," meaning "farm by the cliff." This surname is common in England and its former colonies.
14. **Cobb:** A nickname surname derived from the Old English "cob," meaning "round" or "small hill." This surname is common in England and the United States.
15. **Cochran:** Derived from the Old Gaelic "Coghlan," meaning "descendant of Conchobhar." Conchobhar is an Irish name meaning "desire" or "love."
16. **Coe:** A nickname surname derived from the Old English "coe," meaning "a small boat." This surname is common in England and its former colonies.
17. **Cohen:** A Hebrew surname derived from the word "Kohen," meaning "priest." This surname is common in Jewish communities around the world.
18. **Cole:** A nickname surname derived from the Old English "coal," meaning "blacksmith." This surname is common in England and its former colonies.
19. **Coleman:** Derived from the Old English "cōl" and "man," meaning "coal man" or "blacksmith." This surname is common in England and its former colonies.
20. **Collins:** Derived from the Old English "col" and "son," meaning "son of the coal man." This surname is common in England and its former colonies.
21. **Collier:** An occupational surname for someone who worked with coal. This surname is common in England and its former colonies.
22. **Combs:** An occupational surname for someone who made combs. This surname is common in England and its former colonies.
23. **Conner:** Derived from the Gaelic "Ó Conchobhair," meaning "descendant of Conchobhar." Conchobhar is an Irish name meaning "desire" or "love."
24. **Conrad:** A German surname derived from the Old High German "kunni" and "rath," meaning "bold counsel" or "brave advice." This name is popular in Germany and other European countries.
25. **Conway:** Derived from the Old English "cūn" and "wig," meaning "counsel" or "wisdom." This surname is common in England and its former colonies.
26. **Cook:** An occupational surname for someone who prepared food. This surname is common in English-speaking countries, especially in England and the United States.
27. **Cooper:** An occupational surname for someone who made barrels or other wooden objects. This surname is common in English-speaking countries, especially in England and the United States.
28. **Corbett:** Derived from the Old English "corf" and "beorht," meaning "bright basket." This surname is common in England and its former colonies.
29. **Cordero:** A Spanish surname derived from the word "cordero," meaning "lamb." It is often associated with families who lived near a place where lambs were raised.
30. **Cortez:** A Spanish surname derived from the word "corte," meaning "court." It is often associated with families who were associated with the Spanish royal court.
31. **Costa:** A Portuguese and Spanish surname derived from the word "costa," meaning "coast." It is often associated with families who lived near the coast.
32. **Crawford:** Derived from the Old English "cræft" and "ford," meaning "craft ford" or "skilled ford." This surname is common in Scotland and its former colonies.
33. **Cruz:** A Spanish surname derived from the word "cruz," meaning "cross." It is often associated with families who lived near a place where a cross was erected.
34. **Culpepper:** Derived from the Old English "culpeper," meaning "pepper grower." This surname is common in England and its former colonies.
35. **Cunningham:** Derived from the Gaelic "Cuningham," meaning "descendant of Cuning." Cuning is an Irish name meaning "hound" or "dog."
36. **Curry:** Derived from the Old English "cur," meaning "dog." This surname is common in England and its former colonies.
37. **Curtis:** Derived from the Old French "court" and "is," meaning "from the court." This surname is common in England and its former colonies.
38. **Custer:** Derived from the Old English "cust," meaning "guardian" or "protector." This surname is common in England and its former colonies.
39. **Cyrus:** A Persian surname derived from the word "Khursheed," meaning "sun." This name is popular in many countries, including Iran, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
40. **Czaja:** A Polish surname derived from the word "czajnik," meaning "teapot." It is often associated with families who were involved in the tea trade.