This list includes 92 Male names that start with C that start with C, from “Cadmus” to “Cyrus”. Many come from Greek, Latin, Celtic, and Semitic roots and appear in myth, scripture, and contemporary use.
Male names that start with C are masculine given names beginning with the letter C and used across cultures. Examples range from Cyrus, the ancient Persian king, to Cadmus, the mythic Greek founder.
Below you’ll find the table with Name, Origin, Meaning, Popularity, Notable bearers, and Variants.
Name: You see the name itself, useful for scanning entries and deciding which names you want to research further.
Origin: Shows the linguistic or cultural origin so you understand a name’s background and cultural associations at a glance.
Meaning: Gives the most common meaning or root idea, helping you evaluate meanings that match family or personal preferences.
Popularity: Lists modern or historical popularity indicators so you can judge how common or distinctive a name feels.
Notable bearers: Names famous or historically significant people who bear the name, giving context and potential associations you should consider.
Variants: Shows spelling, diminutive, and international variants so you can find related forms that suit pronunciation or style.
Male names that start with C
| Name | Origin | Meaning | Popularity/Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caleb | Hebrew | Faithful, whole-hearted, or “dog.” | Top 100 in the US, UK, and Australia. US rank 56 (2022). |
| Callum | Scottish Gaelic, from Latin | Dove. | Top 100 in Scotland, England, and Australia. Gaining popularity elsewhere. |
| Calvin | Latin | Bald, hairless. | Consistently popular in the US. US rank 152 (2022). |
| Cameron | Scottish Gaelic | Crooked nose. | Unisex, but more popular for boys. Top 100 in the US. US rank 66 (2022). |
| Carl | Germanic | Free man. | Classic in Germany and Scandinavia. Less common in the US now. US rank 828 (2022). |
| Carlo | Italian, Spanish | Free man. | Popular in Italy, Spain, and the Philippines. |
| Carlos | Spanish, Portuguese | Free man. | Extremely popular in Spanish-speaking countries. Top 200 in the US. |
| Carson | Scottish, Irish | Son of the marsh-dwellers. | Popular in the US and Canada. US rank 86 (2022). |
| Carter | Old English | Transporter of goods by cart. | Very popular in the US. US rank 41 (2022). |
| Casey | Irish Gaelic | Vigilant in war, watchful. | Unisex name, popular in English-speaking countries. |
| Cash | English, Latin | Maker of chests; or from money. | Trendy in the US. US rank 254 (2022). |
| Casimir | Slavic | Proclaim peace. | Historic royal name in Poland. Rare in the US. |
| Casper | Persian | Treasurer, bringer of treasure. | Popular in Scandinavia and the Netherlands. Uncommon in the US. |
| Cassian | Latin | Vain, empty, or hollow. | Ancient name, rapidly gaining modern popularity. US rank 495 (2022). |
| Cassius | Latin | Vain, empty, or hollow. | Ancient Roman name, stylishly revived. US rank 474 (2022). |
| Cecil | Latin, from Welsh | Blind; or “sixth.” | Once popular, now considered old-fashioned. More common in the UK. |
| Cedric | Old English, Literary | Meaning uncertain, possibly “bounty” or “chieftain.” | Popular in France. Moderately used elsewhere. |
| Cesar | Latin | Head of hair. | Popular in Spanish-speaking countries. US rank 311 (2022). |
| Chad | Old English | Battle, warrior. | Peaked in the 1970s in the US. Now less common. |
| Charles | Germanic | Free man. | A timeless classic and royal name. US rank 46 (2022). |
| Charlie | Germanic | Free man. | Unisex, but very popular for boys. Top 50 in the US and UK. |
| Chase | Old French | To hunt. | Popular in the US since the 1990s. US rank 113 (2022). |
| Chester | Latin | Fortress, walled town. | Old-fashioned name, seeing some revival. US rank 871 (2022). |
| Christian | Greek, Latin | Follower of Christ. | A timeless international classic. US rank 79 (2022). |
| Christopher | Greek | Bearer of Christ. | Extremely popular classic. US rank 47 (2022). |
| Cian | Irish Gaelic | Ancient, enduring. | Top 20 in Ireland. Gaining notice internationally. |
| Cillian | Irish Gaelic | Little church; or strife. | Top 10 in Ireland. Rising globally. |
| Ciaran | Irish Gaelic | Little dark one. | Popular in Ireland and Scotland. |
| Clarence | Latin | One who lives near the River Clare. | Old-fashioned but stately. Popular in the early 20th century. |
| Clark | Old English | Clerk, scholar, scribe. | Classic and intellectual. US rank 394 (2022). |
| Claude | Latin | Lame, limping. | Classic in France. Vintage and artistic elsewhere. |
| Claudio | Latin | Lame, limping. | Popular in Italy, Spain, and Portugal. |
| Clay | Old English | Clay worker; or “of the earth.” | A short, earthy, and strong name. US rank 466 (2022). |
| Clayton | Old English | Settlement on clay soil. | A longtime favorite in the US. US rank 289 (2022). |
| Clement | Latin | Merciful, gentle. | Historic papal name. Rare but classic. |
| Clifford | Old English | Ford by a cliff. | Popular in the early 20th century. Now a vintage choice. |
| Clint | Old English | Settlement on a hill. | Rugged and masculine. Peaked in the mid-20th century. |
| Clinton | Old English | Settlement on a hill. | Presidential name, less common now. |
| Clive | Old English | Cliff, slope. | Distinctively British feel. Uncommon in the US. |
| Clyde | Scottish | From the River Clyde in Scotland. | Vintage name making a comeback. US rank 700 (2022). |
| Cody | Irish Gaelic | Helpful; or “son of Cuidightheach.” | Peaked in the 1990s. Still widely used. US rank 326 (2022). |
| Cohen | Hebrew | Priest. | Trendy but controversial. US rank 336 (2022). |
| Colby | Old Norse, English | Coal town, dark settlement. | Popular in the US since the 1980s. US rank 380 (2022). |
| Cole | Old English | Swarthy, coal-black. | A cool, popular one-syllable name. US rank 137 (2022). |
| Coleman | Irish, English | Servant of St. Columba; or charcoal burner. | Uncommon but established surname-name. |
| Colin | Irish, Scottish Gaelic | Whelp, cub; or “victory of the people.” | Classic in the UK and Ireland. US rank 279 (2022). |
| Collin | Irish, Scottish Gaelic | Whelp, cub; or “victory of the people.” | A popular spelling variant of Colin in the US. US rank 280 (2022). |
| Colt | Old English | Young horse. | Rugged and modern. US rank 204 (2022). |
| Colton | Old English | From the coal town. | Very popular in the US and Canada. US rank 77 (2022). |
| Conan | Irish Gaelic | Little wolf, little hound. | Known from mythology and fiction. |
| Conor | Irish Gaelic | Lover of hounds, wolf lover. | The preferred spelling in Ireland. Popular globally. |
| Conrad | Germanic | Brave counsel. | Historic and strong. US rank 581 (2022). |
| Constantine | Latin | Constant, steadfast. | Historic, imperial name. Rare in the US. |
| Cooper | Old English | Barrel maker. | Extremely popular surname-name in the US. US rank 70 (2022). |
| Corbin | Old French, Latin | Crow, raven. | Moderately popular in the US. US rank 329 (2022). |
| Corey | Irish Gaelic | From the hollow, ravine. | Peaked in the 1980s, now less common. US rank 593 (2022). |
| Cornelius | Latin | Horn. | An ancient Roman clan name. Very rare today. |
| Cortez | Spanish | Courteous. | A Spanish surname with a conquistador feel. |
| Craig | Scottish, Welsh Gaelic | Rock, crag. | Peaked in the mid-20th century. Classic in Scotland. |
| Crew | Latin, English | Chariot; or a group of people. | A trendy, modern choice in the US. US rank 215 (2022). |
| Cristian | Latin, Greek | Follower of Christ. | Popular Spanish and Romanian spelling of Christian. |
| Cruz | Spanish, Portuguese | Cross. | Unisex, popular in Spanish-speaking communities and the US. US rank 362 (2022). |
| Cullen | Irish Gaelic | Holly tree; or handsome. | Moderately popular, boosted by ‘Twilight’ series. |
| Curtis | Old French | Courteous, polite. | A mid-century classic. US rank 786 (2022). |
| Cyrus | Persian | Far-sighted; or sun. | Ancient royal name, stylishly revived. US rank 343 (2022). |
| Campbell | Scottish Gaelic | Crooked mouth. | Unisex surname-name, more common for boys. |
| Carmelo | Hebrew | Garden, orchard. | Popular in Italy, Spain, and the Philippines. |
| Carmine | Latin | Song; or crimson red. | Classic Italian-American name. |
| Caspian | Geographic | From the Caspian Sea. | Literary name, rising in popularity. US rank 642 (2022). |
| Chandler | Old French | Candle maker. | Peaked in the 1990s due to ‘Friends’. US rank 629 (2022). |
| Chaim | Hebrew | Life. | A classic, popular Jewish name. |
| Chance | Middle English | Good fortune, luck. | A modern virtue name. US rank 312 (2022). |
| Charlton | Old English | Settlement of free men. | Distinguished and rare. |
| Chet | English, from Chester | Fortress, walled town. | A retro nickname-name. |
| Clancy | Irish Gaelic | Son of the red warrior. | A friendly but uncommon Irish surname. |
| Cletus | Greek | Called forth, invoked. | An ancient name, now rare and rustic. |
| Cleveland | Old English | Land of cliffs. | Presidential and place name. |
| Cormac | Irish Gaelic | Son of the charioteer. | Historic Irish name, literary and cool. US rank 855 (2022). |
| Cosmo | Greek | Order, beauty, universe. | Quirky and worldly. |
| Creed | Latin | Belief, guiding principle. | A modern word name, rising fast. US rank 325 (2022). |
| Crosby | Old Norse | Village with a cross. | A preppy, musical surname-name. |
| Cai | Welsh, Latin | Rejoice. | A short, international name. |
| Cairo | Arabic, Coptic | The victorious. | A trendy, evocative place name. |
| Caelan | Irish Gaelic | Slender; or powerful warrior. | An Anglicized form of a classic Irish name. |
| Caspian | Geographic | From the Caspian Sea. | Literary and adventurous, on the rise. US rank 642 (2022). |
| Caesar | Latin | Head of hair. | Powerful and historic Roman name. |
| Cato | Latin | Wise, all-knowing. | Ancient name with a modern sound. |
| Chuck | Germanic | Free man. | A classic, friendly nickname for Charles. |
| Cyril | Greek | Lordly, masterful. | An intellectual, historic name. |
| Cem | Turkish, from Persian | Ruler, king. | A popular name in Turkey. |
| Calix | Greek | Chalice, cup. | A rare and handsome ancient name. |
| Cadmus | Greek | From the east. | Mythological and rare. |
Descriptions
Caleb
A classic Old Testament name that has seen a major resurgence in popularity. Often shortened to Cal, it’s associated with loyalty and devotion.
Callum
A gentle yet strong Scottish name from the same root as Saint Columba, who Christianized Scotland. A popular alternative to Colin or Caleb. Sometimes spelled Calum.
Calvin
A name with intellectual and creative flair, associated with theologian John Calvin and designer Calvin Klein. Nickname Cal is common.
Cameron
A strong Scottish clan name that became a popular given name. It feels both classic and modern, with the friendly nickname Cam.
Carl
A strong, no-nonsense name that is the German and Scandinavian form of Charles. Notable bearers include psychologist Carl Jung and astronomer Carl Sagan.
Carlo
The handsome Italian and Spanish version of Charles. It has a romantic, continental feel and is borne by numerous artists and saints.
Carlos
The Spanish and Portuguese equivalent of Charles, this name is a global classic. Famous bearers include guitarist Carlos Santana and numerous athletes.
Carson
A surname-turned-given-name with a friendly, modern feel. Associated with American television host Carson Daly and frontier scout Kit Carson.
Carter
A trendy occupational surname that now feels like a handsome and established first name. It projects a hardworking and reliable image.
Casey
A friendly and approachable Irish surname that works well for any gender. It peaked in the 1980s but retains a timeless, casual charm.
Cash
A cool, rugged name that brings to mind country music legend Johnny Cash. It feels modern, confident, and a little bit rebellious.
Casimir
An aristocratic name with a powerful yet peaceful meaning. It’s a distinctive choice with a rich history, often associated with Polish kings.
Casper
The traditional name for one of the Three Wise Men. Known to many from the friendly ghost character, giving it a gentle, whimsical feel. Variant of Jasper.
Cassian
A sophisticated Roman family name that feels both ancient and contemporary. Its popularity is rising thanks to characters in popular media like Star Wars.
Cassius
A powerful and historic name, famously borne by boxer Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Clay). Often associated with strength and conviction. Nickname is Cass.
Cecil
A Roman clan name that became an aristocratic English name. It has an intellectual, vintage charm, associated with figures like director Cecil B. DeMille.
Cedric
Invented or popularized by Sir Walter Scott for his novel ‘Ivanhoe’. Gained modern fame as Cedric Diggory in the Harry Potter series.
Cesar
The Spanish form of Caesar, the title of Roman emperors. It sounds powerful and historic, often associated with leader Cesar Chavez.
Chad
A short, strong, Anglo-Saxon name of a 7th-century saint. While it became a slang term, it remains a simple and classic choice.
Charles
A regal name borne by kings, scientists, and artists for centuries. Versatile nicknames like Charlie, Chuck, and Chaz keep it fresh.
Charlie
Originally a nickname for Charles, Charlie is now a standalone favorite. It’s friendly, charming, and beloved across generations.
Chase
An energetic and preppy action-verb name. It suggests confidence and ambition, and has been a modern favorite for several decades.
Chester
A friendly, vintage name that feels both sturdy and charming. Associated with US President Chester A. Arthur and has the cute nickname Chet.
Christian
A name with deep religious significance that is widely used across many cultures. It feels sophisticated and has been popular for centuries.
Christopher
A traditional name tied to Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travelers. A solid, dependable choice often shortened to Chris or Topher.
Cian
A handsome and popular name in its native Ireland, connected to Irish mythology. It’s often Anglicized as Kian or Cianan.
Cillian
A historic Irish saint’s name, now internationally known thanks to actor Cillian Murphy. It feels both ancient and modern. Often Anglicized as Killian.
Ciaran
A classic Irish name for a dark-haired or dark-complexioned boy. It has a gentle, poetic feel. Often Anglicized as Kieran.
Clarence
A distinguished, vintage name with British royal connections. Known from the angel in the film ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’
Clark
A sharp, smart surname-name that brings to mind both Superman’s alter ego Clark Kent and actor Clark Gable. It feels strong and sophisticated.
Claude
Despite its meaning, this Roman clan name has an elegant, artistic reputation, associated with painters like Claude Monet and composer Claude Debussy.
Claudio
The romantic Latinate form of Claude. It’s a classic in Southern Europe and Latin America, with a smooth, operatic sound.
Clay
A solid, one-syllable name that feels grounded and approachable. Often used as a short form of Clayton but stands strong on its own.
Clayton
A more formal version of Clay, this English surname has a friendly, down-to-earth charm that has endured for decades.
Clement
An ancient name with a virtuous meaning, borne by 14 popes. It feels kind and dignified, with Clem as a friendly nickname.
Clifford
A distinguished name that calls to mind jazz trumpeter Clifford Brown and the big red dog. It feels both sturdy and gentle. Nickname is Cliff.
Clint
A clipped, cool form of Clinton, forever associated with the iconic actor Clint Eastwood. It has a strong, laconic, cowboy image.
Clinton
A well-established surname-name, most famously associated with US President Bill Clinton. It feels more formal and traditional than Clint.
Clive
A sharp, one-syllable name popular in the UK mid-century. Famous bearers include British author C.S. Lewis (his nickname) and actor Clive Owen.
Clyde
A cool, retro name with a bluesy, Bonnie-and-Clyde vibe. It’s a Scottish place name that sounds both relaxed and stylish.
Cody
A friendly, energetic name with an Irish-American cowboy feel, popularized by Buffalo Bill Cody. It’s approachable and has a lasting boyish charm.
Cohen
A significant Hebrew surname meaning “priest,” denoting direct patrilineal descent. Its use as a first name is modern and considered offensive by some in the Jewish community.
Colby
A preppy and cheerful surname-name that feels a bit more modern than Colin or Cole. It’s also a type of cheese.
Cole
A short, strong, and sleek name that has been a modern favorite for years. It can also be a nickname for Coleman or Nicholas.
Coleman
A more formal alternative to Cole, Coleman has a warm and distinguished feel. It’s recognizable but not overused.
Colin
A charming name with dual origins, popular in many English-speaking countries. It feels classic, friendly, and handsome. Often spelled Collin.
Collin
This double-L spelling has been just as popular as Colin in the United States. It’s a solid, classic choice that feels familiar and warm.
Colt
A strong, masculine, and quintessentially American name. It evokes images of the Wild West and has a short, punchy sound. Can be short for Colton.
Colton
A modern favorite that combines the trendy “-ton” ending with the rugged feel of Colt. It’s a friendly and energetic choice.
Conan
A strong and ancient Irish name forever linked with the writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the fictional character Conan the Barbarian.
Conor
This is the most common spelling in Ireland for the legendary king Conchobar mac Nessa. A powerful and classic Irish choice.
Conrad
A classic German name with a noble history, borne by kings and saints. It sounds intelligent and dependable, and is not overly common.
Constantine
A grand and stately name associated with the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, who adopted Christianity. It has a powerful, timeless quality.
Cooper
A friendly and energetic occupational name that has become a modern classic. It has a preppy, boyish charm and the easy nickname Coop.
Corbin
A handsome and sophisticated name with a slight gothic feel due to its meaning. Actor Corbin Bernsen made it familiar.
Corey
A friendly, approachable name that was a huge hit for boys in the 70s and 80s. It feels familiar and unpretentious. Also spelled Cory.
Cornelius
A distinguished and formal name with a long history. While old-fashioned, it has a certain quirky charm and can be shortened to Neil or Corny.
Cortez
A powerful and historic surname, most famously associated with the Spanish conqueror Hernán Cortés. It has a bold and adventurous image.
Craig
A short, strong, and straightforward Scottish name that was a staple for decades. It feels dependable and masculine, though less trendy today.
Crew
A short and stylish modern name that has risen quickly in popularity. It sounds preppy, confident, and energetic. Also spelled Crue.
Cristian
This spelling is widely used in Spanish-speaking countries and throughout Europe. It offers a slightly more international flair than the ‘Ch’ version.
Cruz
A sleek and spiritual Spanish name meaning “cross.” It gained celebrity appeal as the name of a Beckham son and feels both stylish and meaningful.
Cullen
An appealing Irish surname that got a major boost from the vampire family in the ‘Twilight’ saga. It feels romantic and sophisticated.
Curtis
A smooth and gentlemanly name that feels polite and established. Associated with musician Curtis Mayfield, it has a cool, retro vibe.
Cyrus
The name of Cyrus the Great, a powerful and revered ancient Persian king. It has a strong, classic, and worldly feel.
Campbell
A classic Scottish clan name that has a preppy, sophisticated feel as a first name. It’s recognizable but not overused.
Carmelo
A poetic and melodic name referring to Mount Carmel in Israel. Famously borne by basketball star Carmelo Anthony.
Carmine
A vibrant name most common among Italian-Americans, with a rich, colorful feel. It’s traditionally masculine, while the related Carmen is feminine.
Caspian
A romantic and adventurous place name, popularized by C.S. Lewis’s ‘Chronicles of Narnia’. It’s a whimsical yet strong choice for a boy.
Chandler
An occupational surname forever tied to the witty and sarcastic Chandler Bing from the TV show ‘Friends’. It has a preppy, 90s charm.
Chaim
A deeply meaningful name in Jewish culture, related to the word “l’chaim” (to life). It is often Anglicized as Hyman, but Chaim is more authentic.
Chance
A cool, laid-back name that suggests positivity and good luck. It feels hopeful and modern, popularized by Chance the Rapper.
Charlton
An aristocratic English surname, famously borne by actor Charlton Heston. It feels strong, classic, and very distinguished.
Chet
Originally a short form of Chester, Chet is a cool, jazzy, single-syllable name. It brings to mind jazz trumpeter Chet Baker.
Clancy
An energetic and cheerful Irish name that’s not widely used, making it a distinctive choice. It has a warm, approachable feel.
Cletus
A name of a pope and saint, Cletus now has a folksy, rural image in the US, partly due to a character on ‘The Simpsons’.
Cleveland
A strong and formal surname, associated with US President Grover Cleveland and the city in Ohio. It has a stately, old-fashioned sound.
Cormac
An ancient name of Irish kings and saints, given a modern literary sheen by author Cormac McCarthy. It sounds strong, rugged, and intelligent.
Cosmo
A grand and stylish name that encompasses the entire universe. It feels creative and eccentric, and was the name of a Medici grand duke.
Creed
A strong and meaningful name that has soared in popularity. It suggests conviction and principle, and was boosted by the ‘Rocky’ sequel film ‘Creed’.
Crosby
A friendly and upbeat name with Irish and Scandinavian roots. It brings to mind singer Bing Crosby, giving it a relaxed, cool vibe.
Cai
A simple yet stylish name with multiple origins. In Wales, it’s a traditional name (Sir Cai was a Knight of the Round Table). In other cultures, it is also a popular name and character.
Cairo
The capital of Egypt makes for a bold and adventurous boy’s name. It feels modern, worldly, and has a strong, energetic sound.
Caelan
A softer-sounding Irish name that’s an accessible alternative to Cillian or Cian. It has a gentle but strong feel. Often spelled Kaelen.
Caspian
Made famous by Prince Caspian from C.S. Lewis’s Narnia series, this name sounds romantic, worldly, and ready for an adventure.
Caesar
The name of Julius Caesar and the title of Roman emperors, this name is the definition of powerful. It’s a bold choice with an epic history.
Cato
A Roman name associated with the respected statesman Cato the Younger. It’s short, strong, and sounds both ancient and futuristic.
Chuck
A very American, down-to-earth nickname for Charles that peaked in the mid-20th century. It feels solid and friendly, like a reliable neighbor.
Cyril
Borne by numerous saints and theologians, Cyril has a serious, studious reputation. It’s a classic that is underused in the modern era.
Cem
A short and strong name pronounced “Jem.” It’s derived from the legendary Persian king Jamshid and is a classic choice in Turkey.
Calix
A sleek and unusual name with religious overtones from its meaning. It sounds like a modern invention but is rooted in ancient Greek.
Cadmus
In Greek mythology, Cadmus was a Phoenician prince who founded the city of Thebes and introduced the alphabet to the Greeks. A heroic and unique choice.