Florida-inspired names
- Butler
Origin:
English occupational nameDescription:
We don't see that bright a future for this one either.
- Bradenton
- Branford
- Calhoun
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"from the narrow forest"Description:
A beaming, friendly Irish last-name-first-name waiting to be discovered.
- Callahan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"bright-headed"Description:
Callahan, the simpler spelling of Callaghan, is a rhythmic jig of a name whose history harks back to the ancient King of Munster. In the Dirty Harry movies, the Clint Eastwood character is Harry Callahan.
- Callaway
Origin:
English from LatinMeaning:
"pebbly place"Description:
Another animated Irish surname, this one with jazzy ties to the immortal "Dean of American Jive," Cab Calloway.
- Cary
- Cedar
Origin:
English and French from Latin tree nameMeaning:
"cedar tree"Description:
Cedar is, like Ash, Oak, Pine and Ebony, one of the new tree/wood names that parents are starting to consider; this one is particularly aromatic.
- 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.
- Clark
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"scribe, secretary, cleric, scholar, clerk"Description:
Clark seemed to have been Gone with the Wind, but parents looking for a short, strong boy's name are now beginning to appreciate its cool combination of Gable charm with Superman power.
- Clay
Origin:
English word name; diminutive of ClaytonDescription:
Clay is a rich, earthy one-syllable name with a southern-inflected handsome-rogue image, featured on soap operas and reality TV. Its longer forms are Clayton and Clayborne.
- Cloud
Origin:
Nature nameDescription:
Like Sky and Sunshine, this fluffy name from the hippie 1970s has floated back onto the naming radar.
- Coleman
Origin:
English and IrishMeaning:
"little dove"Description:
The name of three hundred saints, a mustard, and your own baby boy. Coleman was off the US Top 1000 list for much of the 1960s and 1970s, but it was a mainstay before and has been for most years since. It could be an interesting way to honor a Colin or Cole.
- Collier
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"coal miner"Description:
This occupational surname could find new life with those wishing to honor someone in their heritage who was connected to the tough-as-nails breed that was the pre-modern coal miner. Coll and Collie are some sweet nickname options to tone down the formality of this name.
- Columbia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"land of Columbus"Description:
Columbia is a rarely used name with many associations. From the eighteenth century it has been used as a female personification of the United States, often appearing as a flag-draped patriotic figure. And as such it's inspired a plethora of place and company names, from the District of Columbia to Columbia University to Columbia Records, and songs like "Columbia, Gem of the Ocean." A character called Columbia appears in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
- Cooper
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"barrel maker"Description:
The genial yet upscale and preppy Cooper was one of the first occupational last names to catch on -- and Cooper remains a pleasing option.
- Coral
Origin:
Nature nameDescription:
First used during the Victorian craze for jewel names; it could rise again, along with Ruby and Pearl, though it doesn't have as much luster.
- Crystal
Origin:
Gem nameDescription:
Peaking at #9 in 1982, Crystal's popularity in the 70s and 80s stems from its sparkling natural namesake and several notable bearers, like country music singer Crystal Gayle and Dynasty character Krystle Carrington. But it has since lost some of its luster for American parents, now ranking in the mid-600s. Ruby, Gemma and Pearl are fashionable alternatives, but nowadays Crystal could actually be a more unexpected choice for your little gem.
- Cutler
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"knife maker"Description:
Cooper would be a more engaging C-starting occupational choice.
- Carrabelle