Old Names
- Calandra
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"lark"Description:
Calista Flockhart opened the door to a whole flock of graceful and unusual Greek names like this, including Calantha, Calla, Carissa, and Cassia. Calandra itself is the name of a species of lark, and has the versatile nickname options of Callie, Candy, Andra, Andie and Birdie.
- Calista
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"most beautiful"Description:
Spelled with either one 'l' or two, Calista came to the fore in 1997 when Calista Flockhart hit it big as Ally McBeal. Flockhart, who bears her mother's middle name, didn't just introduce a name, she introduced a whole sensibility. Pretty and delicate, Calista is definitely worthy of consideration, especially for parents with Greek roots.
- Camila
Origin:
Spanish variation of CamillaMeaning:
"young ceremonial attendant"Description:
The Spanish Camila, pronounced ka-MEE-la, is the fastest rising version of this ancient Roman name, but recent royal Camilla may have helped promote the British brand.
- Candace
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"white, pure, sincere"Description:
Candace, an ancient title of a dynasty of Ethiopian queens mentioned in the New Testament, is associated both with actress Candice Bergen and Sex and the City writer Candace Bushnell.
- Candice
Origin:
Spelling variation of Candace, LatinMeaning:
"white, pure, sincere"Description:
Candice is the spelling of this ancient name used by actress Candice Bergen. Candice is a form of Candace, an ancient title of a dynasty of Ethiopian queens mentioned in the New Testament.
- Caroline
Origin:
French, feminine variation of CharlesMeaning:
"free man"Description:
Caroline is a perennial classic, one of the elite group of girls' names that's ALWAYS ranked among the Top 1000 and that's been in the Top 100 since 1994. Elegant yet strong, Caroline calls to mind the Kennedy Camelot years and Princess Caroline of Monaco.
- Cecile
Origin:
French feminine form of CecilMeaning:
"blind"Description:
Cecile is a fairly common French saint's name, scattered throughout classic French literature--in Les Liaisons Dangereuses, in Balzac's Cousin Pons, and Zola's Germinal.
- Cedric
Origin:
CelticMeaning:
"bounty"Description:
Cedric was invented by Sir Walter Scott for the noble character of the hero's father in Ivanhoe, presumed to be an altered form of the Saxon name Cerdic. The name was later also given to Little Lord Fauntleroy, the long-haired, velvet-suited, and lace-collared boy hero of the Frances Hodgson Burnett book, who became an unwitting symbol of the pampered mama's boy.
- Charlotte
Origin:
French, feminine diminutive of CharlesMeaning:
"free man"Description:
Charlotte, the name of the young Princess of Cambridge, is the latest classic name to join Sophia, Emma, Olivia, and Isabella at the top of the popularity list. It is now among the most popular girl names in many English-speaking and European countries.
- Christabell
Description:
Christabell is a feminine name with medieval origins, derived from the combination of 'Christ' and 'belle,' meaning 'beautiful.' This elegant name has roots in both Latin and French traditions. Christabell represents a more elaborate variation of Christabel, which gained literary recognition through Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem 'Christabel' (1797-1800). The name conveys notions of beauty associated with Christian virtue and grace. Though not widely used in contemporary naming practices, Christabell maintains an air of vintage charm and romantic appeal. The name suggests a connection to both religious tradition and aesthetic beauty, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth and feminine elegance. The doubled 'l' spelling adds a distinctive touch to this classical name.
- Cia
Origin:
Diminutive of CynthiaDescription:
What's Cia short for? Cynthia or most any other C-name. Stylish in its sleek Mia-Nia minimalist feel, but may remind some of the Central Intelligence Agency.
- Cirilla
Origin:
Spelling variation of Cyrilla, LatinMeaning:
"lordly"Description:
This obscure antiquated name is finding new life thanks to The Witcher series, whose heroine is named Princess Cirilla, nickname Ciri. The feminine form of Cyril, Cirilla has now surpassed the original Cyrilla in usage, given to 40 baby girls in the US in 2021 vs. only 10 called Cyrilla. We eonder how many parents will call their daughters Ciri.
- Claes
Origin:
Swedish and Dutch variation of Klaes, form of NicholasMeaning:
"victory of the people"Description:
Pronounced klaus, this spelling of the name is associated in this country with the major Pop Art sculptor Swedish-born Claes Oldenburg, known for his colossal public sculptures of everyday objects such as lipsticks and binoculars, and the "Happenings" performance art of the 1960s. Variations include CLAUS, KLAUS, KLAES, and CLAAS.
- Claudios
Description:
Claudios is a masculine name with ancient Roman origins, serving as a variation of the Latin name Claudius, which means 'lame' or 'limping.' This name carries significant historical weight, as it was borne by several Roman emperors and notable figures throughout antiquity. The Greek-influenced ending '-os' gives the name a distinctive Mediterranean character, setting it apart from the more common Claude or Claudio variations. While not widely used in contemporary Western societies, Claudios maintains popularity in some Greek communities and among families with classical naming preferences. The name projects an air of scholarly dignity and historical gravitas.
- Clayrinda
Description:
Clayrinda is an extremely rare feminine name that appears to be a creative variation combining elements of Clara, Claire, or Clay with the ending of names like Clarinda or Dorinda. The distinctive 'y' spelling gives it a unique visual character. This elaborate name carries a vintage, almost Victorian sensibility with its flowing, multi-syllabic structure. The name's rarity means it has little documented history, likely representing either a modern invention or an extremely uncommon traditional name preserved in specific family lines. Clayrinda might appeal to parents seeking an elaborate, feminine name with an antique quality that virtually ensures their daughter will have a one-of-a-kind name. Its melodic sound pattern fits with other ornate feminine names while remaining distinctive.
- Clement
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"mild, merciful"Description:
Clement, the name of fourteen popes and several saints, has a pleasantly, positive, slightly antiquated feel, like the phrase "clement weather."
- Cleola
Description:
Cleola is a feminine name with possible roots in ancient Greek, potentially deriving from "Cleo" (meaning "glory" or "fame") with a decorative suffix. This elegant, melodic name emerged in American usage during the early 20th century, experiencing its peak popularity during the 1910s-1930s. Cleola bears resemblance to popular names of that era like Viola, Leola, and Cora, sharing their vintage charm and flowing sound pattern. The name features the appealing "cle" opening sound followed by musical vowels that create a rhythmic, graceful quality. Though Cleola has become quite rare in contemporary use, it represents the ornate naming style of America's past and may appeal to parents seeking a distinctive vintage revival name with classical undertones and an inherently feminine character.
- Conall
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"strong as a wolf"Description:
Too many Connors in your neighborhood? This name--spelled with one 'l' or two--is equally authentic and much more unusual.
- Constantia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"constant, steadfast"Description:
A rare and refined name, which could make for a surprising route to cute nickname Connie.
- Coral
Origin:
Nature nameMeaning:
"a rock like substance formed by sea creatures; pinkish-red; gemstone"Description:
A color name, a gemstone name, and an ocean-inspired choice, Coral has a lot going for it with its sharp C sounds yet sweet vintage feel. Unlike Scarlett or Violet, however, it is only quietly used in the US these days, perhaps because of its similarity to more 'dated' Carol.