Latin Names that Start With C

A potential hero name: Crispus Attucks, an African and Native American man, was the first colonist to die for independence in the Boston Massacre.

The kind of hybrid name -- it sounds like a blend of the popular Caleb and Colton -- that could catch on despite its lack of pedigree.

With Clementine on the rise and Clemence and Clemency considered chic in Europe, this unusual Latinate option could be a fresh alternative. Clementia is another, more common, spelling.

Constantina is a pretty, feminissima, if lengthy, variation on the Constance theme. The fourth century Constantina, also known as Constantia and Constantiana, was the eldest daughter of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great and his second wife Fausta, daughter of Emperor Maximian. Constantina received the title of Augusta by her father, and is venerated as a saint; in English she is also known as Saint Constance.

Grandmas will remember the old TV detective show; playmates won't. This is a name that has many variations in different cultures, from Columbus to Columba to Colum to Colm.

Carita may feel like an endearing nickname but it's a name in its own right, used throughout Scandinavia in this form and as Karita, Caritas, and Karitas as a variation on Charity.

There are several better Cal- names that don't simply echo a male form.

Clorinda is a romantic name invented by a sixteenth-century poet, but has a synthetic sound today.

Rising boys' name could cross the gender line.

Cyrille is a unisex French name, and its association with the suddenly suave Cyril has turned from a liability into an advantage.

This ancient feminine form is the kind of name your child will grow into...at least by her fiftieth birthday.

Columba is an early saint's name that rhumbas to a modern beat. While the original St. Columba is male, the name sounds more appropriate for a girl in the modern world. Leave variations Colm and Callum for the boys.

Cordis is an unusual and substantial unisex choice.

Unfortunately, everyone will hear Crispina, the feminine form of Crispin, as Christina.

Enshrined in the Latin and Catholic culture.

Colombia is a South American country name, with a rhythmic sound and peaceful connotations. The Irish Colm, Scottish Callum, and Columba are all attractive relatives of Colombia (or Columbia, if you're thinking of the college).

Cesarina, like the French version Cesarine, is a feminine version of Caesar. Cesarina has two potential pronunciations: one with the Italian "che" sound, one with the anglo "sez" sound. This is among the more unusual Italian names for girls.

Bearded, fusty name of great old Roman lyric poet; just what the bold vanguard baby namer might be looking for.

Most often heard as an Italian surname, this might be an unusual yet musical option. While it's not among the traditional Italian names for girls, it can fill that role.