Old Girl Names That Start With C

Expecting a baby girl and looking for an old-fashioned baby name beginning with the letter C? From old literary choices (Cathy, Cordelia) to retro French charmers (Cecile, Charline), there's no shortage of old-fashioned girl names starting with C. But with so much choice, it can be difficult to know where to start.

If you're feeling stuck, here are 20+ names to get you inspired. Happy naming!

1. Clara. The epitome of "what's old is new again".
2. Clementine. Considered too frumpy not too long ago, Clementine seems to be back in the game, with hundreds of new parents falling in love with its vintage charm.
3. Cleo. If Cleopatra, the name of one the most powerful women in history, seems a bit too much, try the cute short form Cleo.
4. Cynthia. Once a Top 10 choice for American baby girls.
5. Cordelia. Cordelia has an elegant sound, Shakespearean bona fides and a beautiful meaning ("heart"). Parents who are attracted to names like Ophelia and Olivia might also be drawn to the lesser-known Cordelia.
6. Carolyn. This version of Caroline was once ruling the roost, but trends evolved, and Caroline took over. So, if you like the sound of Caroline but find it a bit too popular, the mid-century Carolyn could be just what you need.
7. Carmella. Another way to spell Carmela.
8. Carmela. An Italian-infused appellation famously worn by Edie Falco's character on the HBO TV series The Sopranos.
9. Cindy. This C-name has a definite mid-century vibe that may or may not appeal.
10. Constance. No one seems to be interested in this long and elaborate girl's name anymore. What a shame! Such a strong name with history galore!
11. Carol. If you want to shock Grandma!
12. Connie. Likely too mid-century for the average baby namer, but might work for some seriously audacious couple looking for a short retro name with a nicknamey vibe.
13. Cheryl. Almost all old names eventually come back. If you want to be ahead of the curve, this relic of a name could help you do just that.
14. Clarice. Clarice is definitely not the hippest name out there by today's naming standards, but it does offer that element of surprise so many modern parents are desperately looking for.
15. Cornelia. On-trend but not ubiquitous in the first half of the 20th century, Cornelia hasn't managed to make a comeback.
16. Celestine. A little but Celeste, a little bit Christine.
17. Cecile. Hoping to find an old-fashioned C-name with that special je ne sais quoi? Cecile might appeal.
18. Cathy. A mid-century hit with a nicknamey vibe and literary cred via Cathy Linton, a character in Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights.
19. Claudette. An old lady name headed for obscurity, or a cool comeback candidate with French flair? We're not sure.
20. Concetta. An Italian given name peaking more than a century ago.
21. Charline. Another French charmer with a vintage feel.
22. Clemmie. The short form of Clementine works as a standalone, too.
23. Carole. The throwback vibe of Carol, with added French chic.
24. Cordie. A diminutive of Cordelia. Was occasionally used as an independent name at the turn of the 20th century.