Image: Momjunction Design Team
Last names that start with C may have different origins and meanings, but their common starting letter ties them together. They are all symbols of their respective cultures and heritage. From the popular American surname Clark to the enigmatic Spanish title Chavez and the respected Korean family name Choi, these surnames have survived for centuries. They have their significance and place in this world. Let’s delve deeper into the history and legacy of these top last names that start with C and learn how they are unique yet similar in many ways.
Top 300+ Last Names That Start With C
Explore diverse surnames starting with C and learn more about their origins, meanings, and associated cultures.
Mexican Last Names That Start With C
Mexican surnames are a mix of Spanish and indigenous languages, such as Nahuatl, Zapotec, and Maya. Take a look at the list below to learn more.
1. Cabrera
Spanish to the core, this last name is derived from the Late Latin word capraria, which means ‘place of goats.’ It could also be the feminine variant of cabrero, which refers to a ‘goatherd.’
2. Cabo
Cabo has Galician roots and is a habitational title meaning ‘end’ or ‘cape.’ It could also be inspired by the Latin term caput.
3. Calderon
Derived from the Late Latin caldaria, the surname means ‘cauldron.’ It is an occupational title for someone who made or traded in cauldrons or kettles.
4. Camacho
There is no specific origin of this surname. It could be inspired by the Old Spanish camacho, which refers to the linnet robin. It could also be derived from the Celtic term kambos, meaning ‘crooked’ or ‘twisted.’
5. Campana
The surname is derived from the Late Latin term campana referring to a ‘bell.’ It could be an occupational title adopted by those who made bells. It can also be a habitational last name derived from Campania, a region in Italy where bells were made.
6. Campos
Campos has its roots in the word campo, which means ‘fields.’ American MMA fighter Derek Campos is the former King of the Cage Light Welterweight Champion.
7. Cano
Derived from a nickname, Cano comes from the Latin term canus, meaning ‘old’ or ‘white-haired.’ Alternatively, it may also be inspired by the Latin term canna meaning ‘reed’ or ‘sewer drain.’
8. Cardenas
The habitational title is derived from the Spanish cárdeno, which means ‘blue’ or ‘purple.’ It may have been a title given to a person with a dark complexion.
9. Carballo
Connected to nature, the surname means ‘oak.’ It may have been a topographic name denoting a person who lived near an oak tree or resided in a house made of oak wood. It can also mean they lived near a forest.
10. Carbajal
Also meaning ‘oak’ or ‘oak tree,’ Carbajal is the name of multiple places in different countries. The surname could be a habitational title denoting a person from such a place.
11. Carmona
Rooted in Phoenician, the surname may be derived from the ancient term Qart Ḥamun meaning ‘city of Hammon.’ It may be a last name for people who came from places named Carmona.
12. Carrillo
From a nickname to a surname, Carrillo means ‘jaw’ or ‘cheek.’ A person with a prominent jaw or cheek may have adopted this as their family name.
13. Castro
Castro means ‘castle’ in Spanish and may have been a surname for someone who lived near a castle. For many people this surname might instantly bring to mind the image of Cuban revolutionary and politician, Fidel Castro.
14. Chacon
The surname means ‘gecko.’ Chacon is likely to have been a nickname that has become a surname over the years.
15. Chavez
A variant of the Portuguese Chaves, the surname means ‘waters of Flavius.’ It is a habitational title for people who came from the province named Chaves located in Tras-os-Montes.
16. Cisneros
In Spanish, Cisne means ‘swan.’ The surname is a habitational title associated with Cisneros, a municipality located in Palencia, Spain.
17. Contreras
A traditional Spanish toponymic, the surname means ‘from the surrounding area.’ It may be derived from the Late Latin term contraria meaning ‘the opposite area.’
18. Coronado
Meaning ‘crowned,’ the surname may have been a nickname initially.
19. Corona
Corona means ‘crown.’ It may be derived from the Latin term corona meaning ‘garland diadem.’ In Italy, it is also used as feminine name.
20. Cortes
A symbol of respect, Cortes means ‘polite’ or ‘courteous.’ It could be linked to the Old French terms corteis or curteis or even the English name Curtis.
Check out for more Mexican Last Names
Hispanic Last Names That Start With C
From the Iberian Peninsula to the shores of Latin America and beyond, Hispanic surnames carry their stories of migrations, conquests, and resilience.
21. Cabrajas
The surname is a habitational title derived from the term cabra, which means ‘goat.’
22. Canales
Canales is the plural form of canal, which refers to a ‘water channel.’ It may be a habitational title for those who lived in places named Canales or near a canal.
23. Cantu
In Italy, there is a town named Cantù located in the Lombardy region. The surname could be a habitational title denoting natives of this town.
24. Carabajal
Carbajal is the name of multiple places across Spain. The surname could be adopted by people belonging to these places. Alternatively, it could also be inspired by the pre-Roman term carbalio, meaning ‘oak.’
25. Cardona
The surname could be a habitational title for people who lived in Cardona located in the Barcelona area.
26. Carranco
Carranco could be a family name inspired by the Andalusian bird of the same name or it may be a habitational name for the natives of Carranco in the Granada province of Spain.
27. Carrasco
In Spanish, carrasco or carrasca means ‘holm oak.’ The surname Carrasco could be a habitational surname denoting natives of places with the same name.
28. Carranza
Families who belonged to the town of Karrantza in Biscay Basque Country, Spain may have taken up the surname as a habitational title. Alternatively, it could also be derived from the Spanish term carranza meaning ‘prickle’ or ‘collar.’
29. Casas
Casa means ‘house’ in Spanish and the surname is nothing but the plural form of the word. It may have originally been a topographic last name given to someone who owned or lived in the most prominent house in a village.
30. Casillas
There are several regions named Casillas in Spain. As a surname, it could be a title used to denote natives of the place.
31. Ceballos
People who belonged to the Ceballos region in Cantabria, Spain may have taken up the area’s name as a habitational surname.
32. Ceja
Ceja means ‘eyebrow.’ It could also be a habitational title for people who came from Ceja Yecla in Aragon.
33. Cepeda
Cepeda is the name of a region in the province of Salamanca, Spain. As a surname, it could denote a person belonging to this region.
34. Cerna
Cerna means ‘heartwood.’ It has Galician roots and is likely to have been a nickname for a stubborn person.
35. Cerda
Cerda means ‘bristle hair.’ It may have been used as a nickname for a person with a distinctive tuft of hair.
36. Chavarria
The surname is linked to the Spanish Echeverría, which means ‘new house.’ Argentinian footballer Pablo Chavarría is a popular bearer of this surname who plays for the club Belgrano.
37. Colon
Derived from the Latin name Columbus, Colon means ‘dove.’ It could be an occupational surname for a person who looked after doves.
38. Cornejo
The surname could be a topographic title denoting a person who lived near a dogwood tree.
39. Cordero
Cordero means ‘young lamb.’ It could be an occupational title for a shepherd. Alternatively, it could also be linked to the term corda meaning ‘rope’, denoting a person involved in cord making.
40. Cordova
Cordova is a habitational name indicating a person from Córdoba or Cordova in Andalusia, Spain. With Phonecian roots, it may mean ‘Juba’s city.’
Spanish Last Names That Start With C
Spanish surnames are rich in culture and history. They can take you on an enlightening journey.
41. Calatayud
This habitational Spanish surname has an Arabic connection. It comes from the term Qal‘at ’Ayyūb, which means ‘the fortress of Ayyub.’
42. Calero
Calero means ‘lime’ in Spanish. It could be an occupational title for someone who made or sold lime.
43. Calle
Calle comes from the Spanish Estrada meaning ‘street.’ It could be a topographic name for a person who lived near a street.
44. Calleja
Calleja means ‘narrow street’ or ‘lane.’ Calleya, its Latin source, means ‘skillfully.’ This surname probably denotes a person who lives near an alley or in places named Calleja.
45. Camaara
Camaara has Spanish and Portuguese roots. It means ‘room.’ Camara, Câmara, Cámara are some of its known variants. It could be an occupational title for courtiers or servants who served in a king’s or noble’s residence.
46. Carbonell
The surname is derived from the Latin term carbo meaning ‘coal’ or ‘charcoal.’ The given name Carbonellus may have inspired this surname.
47. Caro
Caro means ‘beloved’ in Spanish and Italian. In medieval Italy, it was also used as a nickname.
48. Carreño
Carreño is the name of a place in Asturias. This surname may be a habitational title for its natives.
49. Carreras
Carreras may have been adopted as a surname by individuals who lived near the crossroads. It is the plural form of the Spanish carrera, which means ‘thoroughfare.’
50. Carrero
Carrero means ‘carter.’ The occupational surname may have been inspired by the Latin term carrum, which means ‘cart wagon.’
51. Casado
Casado means ‘married.’ It comes from the Spanish term casar, which means ‘to marry.’ It is also linked to the habitational surname Quesada.
Image: Momjunction Design Team
52. Casanova
The surname means ‘new house.’ It comes from the Spanish terms casa and nova meaning ‘house’ and ‘new’ respectively.
Trivia53. Castañeda
Derived from the term castaña, the surname means ‘chestnut.’ It is also a habitational title that refers to the many regions bearing this name.
54. Castellano
Castellano is a habitational surname denoting a person who hails from Castile. It may also be an occupational title for someone who lived or worked in a castle.
55. Castello
Castello means ‘castle’ or ‘fortified building.’ It could be an occupational name for a person employed at a castle.
56. Castillo
This last name means ‘castle.’ It could be a habitational title for people who belonged to the many places of this name or lived near a castle.
57. Cebrian
The surname comes from the Latin Cyprianus, which was a title given to the natives of Cyprus. It may also be derived from the given name Cebrián. Spanish racing driver David Cebrián is a notable bearer of this surname.
58. Cervera
Cervera is derived from the Late Latin cervaria, denoting ‘place of stags.’ It could be a habitational surname for someone who came from places named Cervera.
59. Cetos
With a Greek connection, this surname could be derived from the Greek Ketos, which means ‘sea monster.’
60. Chamorro
Derived from a nickname, Chamorro means ‘shaven head.’ This surname may have been used for Portuguese boys or men.
61. Chaves
Chaves is derived from the Latin Flaviis, meaning ‘waters of Flavius.’ It could be a habitational title for the people who belonged to the place of the same name located in Tras-os-Montes, Portugal.
62. Cid
Linked to the Arabic word sayyid, the surname means ‘lord.’ Cid may have been a title used for Christian overlords.
63. Cifuentes
Cifuentes is perhaps a habitational surname. It is a combination of the Spanish terms cien and fuentes meaning ‘hundred’ and ‘springs,’ respectively.
64. Climent
Derived from the given name Climent, which comes from the English name Clement, this surname means ‘gentle’ or ‘full of mercy.’
65. Coca
Coca may have been a habitational surname given to people who belonged to the places with Coca in their names, such as Coca de Alba or Coca de Huebra.
66. Cobo
The surname may have been derived from the word Calvo, meaning ‘bald.’ It may also be derived from the Late Latin term cova, meaning ‘hollow’.
67. Codina
Codina means ‘barren rock’ or ‘layers of compressed earth.’ It may be a habitational surname for those who came from the regions in Barcelona and Castelló provinces with similar names.
68. Coll
Derived from the Latin collum, the surname means ‘mountain pass’ or ‘hill.’ It’s probably a topographic surname denoting a person living in a mountainous region.
69. Collado
Collado comes from the Late Latin collatum or the Latin collis, meaning ‘hill.’ It is most likely a topographic name for someone living in the hills.
70. Conde
Conde means ‘count.’ It comes from the Latin word meaning ‘companion.’ Condeh, Condé, or Kondeh are some of its popular variants.
71. Covos
The surname is derived from the Latin term cubō, which means ‘place to rest’ or ‘refuge.’
72. Crespo
Derived from the Latin crispus, Crespo means ‘curly-haired.’ This surname may have been given as a nickname to a person with curly hair.
73. Criado
In Spanish, Criado is an occupational title meaning ‘servant.’ Footballer Felipe Alfonso Criado is a popular namesake who plays for the Spanish club Mérida AD.
74. Cuesta
Cuesta is the Spanish variant of the Italian Costa, which means ‘coast’ or ‘slope.’ It could be a topographic title denoting a person living near a riverbank or a habitational name for someone who hailed from any of the places named Cuesta.
75. Cuenca
Derived from the Latin term conca, the surname means ‘watershed,’ ‘basin,’ or ‘a valley between mountains.’ It may have been a habitational surname for someone who came from the city of Cuenca that existed in the Kingdom of Castilla.
76. Cuadrado
In Spanish, cuadrado means ‘square’ or a ‘quadrangular field.’ The surname could be a topographic title for someone who lived near such a field. It can also refer to a thick man.
Check out more Spanish surnames.
French Last Names That Start With C
French last names hold a distinct charm that makes them easily recognizable. Here are names that carry the undeniable aura of French legacy.
77. Camus
In French, Camus refers to a person whose ‘nose is turned upwards’ or has a ‘flat-nose.’ It is mostly used as a nickname.
78. Carlier
The surname refers to a ‘cartwright’ or ‘wheelwright.’ It is an occupational title that is a variant of the surname Charlier.
79. Caron
Caron is an occupational surname that refers to a carter or a cartwright. It was a popular given name in the Medieval period.
80. Carpentier
Derived from the Late Latin carpentarius, the surname means ‘wainwright,’ referring to a person who fixed or built wagons.
81. Carre
It comes from the Old French carré meaning ‘square.’ It may have been a nickname for a stocky individual.
82. Charpentier
Charpentier is the Old French version of Carpenter and it means ‘maker of carriages.’
83. Charrier
Char means carriage or cart in Old French. This makes the Charrier an occupational title referring to a ‘carter.’
84. Charbonnier
An occupational title, the surname refers to someone who makes or sells charcoal. French sailor Nicolas Charbonnier is a popular bearer of this surname. He is known for bagging multiple championships and an Olympic medal.
85. Charron
Charron is the Old French term for a ‘cart.’ It is an occupational surname denoting a person who is a cartwright.
86. Chartier
Derived from the French term charette meaning ‘cart,’ the surname could be given to those who worked as carters.
87. Chauvet
Chauve means ‘bald’ in French. So, Chauvet may have been a nickname and later a surname for someone who was bald.
88. Chauvin
Also derived from chauve, the surname means ‘bald.’ It may have become a popular family name after being used as a nickname.
89. Chapuis
In Old French, chapuiser means ‘to cut.’ The surname Chapuis means ‘carpenter.’ Alternatively, it may also be a toponymic for natives of the Arpitan region located in eastern France and Francophone Switzerland.
90. Chevalier
Chevalier is a surname that symbolizes wealth. It means ‘knight’ in French. It is derived from the Late Latin term caballarius, meaning ‘horseman.’
91. Clerc
With its roots in Greek and Late Latin, Clerc refers to a scholar or a person who belonged to a religious group.
92. Collet
Collet finds its origin in the French Colle, which is derived from the given name Nicholas meaning ‘victory of the people.’
93. Coste
The surname is a topographic title that may have been given to a person who lived on a slope or a riverbank.
94. Cordier
Corde is the French term for ‘string.’ Cordier is the occupational title denoting someone who manufactured cord or string.
95. Coulon
In French, colomb means ‘pigeon.’ Coulon is an occupational surname referring to a breeder of the bird.
96. Courtois
Derived from the French term curteis meaning ‘refined,’ Courtois may have been a title given to an accomplished person.
Irish Last Names That Start With C
These surnames have connections to Gaelic clans, geographical marvels, and professions held by the Irish people.
97. Callaghan
Short form of the traditional Irish O’Callaghan, the surname means ‘descendant of Ceallachán.’
98. Campbell
Campbell means ‘crooked mouth’ or ‘wry mouthed.’ The surname is believed to be inspired by a Gaelic nickname.
99. Carey
Derived from the Irish ciar, the surname means ‘dark black.’ Alternatively, it is also linked to the surname Ó Ciardha, meaning ‘descendant of Ciardha.’
100. Carolan
Inspired by the last name Ó Cearbhalláin, the surname means ‘descendant of Cearbhallán.’ It is also considered a variant of Ó Cairealláin, meaning ‘descendant of Caireallán.’
101. Carroll
Carroll means ‘fierce in battle.’ It could be derived from the surname Ó Cearbhaill or the given name Cearbhall.
Image: Momjunction Design Team
102. Carr
Coming from the Old Norse kjarr, the surname means ‘brushwood.’ It may also be inspired by the Gaelic term ciar, which means ‘dusky.’
103. Casey
Casey is considered a diminutive of Irish Gaelic Cathasaigh or Cathaiseach, which means ‘watchful’ or ‘vigilant.’
104. Cassidy
Cassidy is a patronymic surname meaning ‘descendant of Caiside.’ Cassiday, Casadei, Cassedy, Cassady, and Cassedey, are some of its known variants.
105. Clancy
The surname is derived from the family name Mac Fhlannchaidh, which is a patronym meaning ‘descendant of Flannchadh.’
106. Clarke
Derived from the Latin clericus, the surname means ‘clerk.’ In some places the surname is also used as a first name.
107. Clifford
Clifford means ‘ford by a cliff.’ It is also a popular masculine name of English origin.
108. Coffey
Coffey is a patronym inspired by multiple surnames such as Ó Cathbhadha, Ó Cobhthaigh, and Ó Cathmhogha.
109. Coleman
Coleman is a variant of traditional last names such as Mac Colmáin, Ó’Colmáin, and Ó’Clumhain. It is also a known English surname.
110. Collins
Collins is a variant of Ó Coileáin meaning ‘descendant of Coileán.’ American author Suzanne Collins is known for the teen fantasy book series, The Hunger Games.
111. Conlon
The surname is derived from the given name Conlon, which could be a combination of two Irish Gaelic terms con and lón meaning ‘hound’ and ‘lion,’ respectively.
112. Connolly
Connolly is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Conghalach, which means ‘valiant.’
113. Connor
Derived from the given name Conchobar, the surname means ‘wolf kin’ or ‘one who loved wolves.’
114. Conway
Conway is a toponymic surname derived from the town located on the coast of North Wales near the river Conwy. It means ‘holy water.’
115. Cooke
Cooke is an occupational title for a ‘cook’ or a ‘chef.’ Cook and McCook are two of its known variants.
116. Cooney
Derived from the family name Ó Cuana, the surname means ‘descendant of Cuana.’ The given name Cuana means ‘handsome.’
117. Corrigan
Corrigan means ‘spear.’ It is a common surname in Ireland. Currigan, Carrigan, Corocan, Courigan and are some of its variants.
118. Coughlan
The surname means ‘son of the one with the cloak.’ The surname Coughlin is considered its variant.
119. Cruise
A variant of Irish Cruse or Cruce, the surname means ‘hollow.’ It may have been a habitational title based on a place in Ireland.
Check out for more Irish surnames.
Japanese Last Names That Start With C
Surnames starting with C may not be too common in Japan. These rare ones carry the essence of Japanese culture and history.
120. Chiba
Chiba is a traditional Japanese surname that means ‘thousand leaves.’ Japanese actor Sonny Chiba is a popular bearer of this last name.
121. Chida
A symbol of abundance and prosperity, Chida means ‘thousand rice fields.’ Japanese footballer Kaito Chida is a noteworthy bearer of this surname.
122. Chifu
Chifu has a wide variety of meanings in Japanese. It means ‘thousand’ or ‘fabric.’
123. Chinen
A known family name from Okinawa, Chinen means ‘wisdom’ or ‘feelings.’ Master of martial arts Masami Chinen bore this last name.
124. Chino
Chino has multiple meanings. It could mean ‘thousand fields’ or ‘field of miscanthus reeds.’ A slight change in its Japanese spelling could mean ‘strange.’
125. Chishima
In Japanese, Chishima is composed of two elements that mean ‘thousand islands’ when combined.
126. Chitose
Symbolizing longevity, Chitose means ‘thousand years.’ Singer Hajime Chitose is a popular namesake.
127. Chono
The surname could mean ‘butterfly in a field’ since it is composed of two terms- cho meaning ‘butterfly’ and no meaning ‘field.’
Check out for more Japanese last names.
German Last Names That Start With C
In German, the English alphabet C is pronounced as ‘tsay.’ Thus a few surnames below may not be pronounced the way you think it would be. Keep reading to learn more.
128. Carl
The surname is derived from the popular masculine name that originated from the Germanic Karl, meaning ‘man.’
129. Carstens
Carstens is derived from the given name Carsten, meaning ‘follower of Christ.’ In some countries, it is considered a variant of the family name Karstens.
130. Carstensen
A patronym, Carstensen means ‘son of Carsten.’ This surname is also found in Denmark and Norway.
131. Casper
Casper means ‘treasurer.’ It is also a popular masculine name. The title finds its roots in the Chaldean word gizbar.
132. Caspari
The surname is the patronym linked to the given name Caspar. Apart from Germany, it is also known in the US and Switzerland.
133. Christen
Derived from a masculine name, Christen means ‘follower of Christ.’ The surname is also known in Switzerland and Denmark.
134. Christensen
Meaning ‘son of Christen’, the surname is also common in Denmark. It is also considered a variant of Kristensen.
135. Christel
The family name is inspired by the masculine name Christel, which means ‘follower of Christ.’
136. Christmann
Christmann is derived from the masculine name Christian with an added suffix of ‘man.’
137. Christoph
Derived from the male name Christopher, the surname means ‘Christ-bearing’. Former Chess Champion in West Germany, Manfred Christoph is a remarkable bearer of this last name.
138. Claus
The surname comes from the given name Klaus, meaning ‘to win over people.’ Hugo Claus was a prominent Belgian author and a recipient of the International Nonino Prize in 2000.
139. Clausen
Clausen is patronym meaning ‘son of Claus.’ Apart from Germany, the surname is also prevalent in Denmark.
140. Clasen
Also found in Denmark and Norway, this German title is a patronym derived from the given name Clas.
141. Clemens
Clemens means ‘merciful’ in Late Latin. In many countries, Clemens is also a known masculine name.
Did you know?142. Clement
The surname means ‘merciful.’ It is also derived from the given name Clement, which means ‘gentle.’
143. Cramer
Cramer is an occupational surname that was once given to merchants who dealt in small trading items.
144. Cremer
Cremer is an occupational title referring to a ‘shopkeeper’ or ‘trader.’ It is also considered a variant of Kramer or Creamer.
145. Cornelius
Derived from the Roman last name Cornu, the surname means ‘horn.’ The surname is more popular as a given name.
146. Coenen
The surname means ‘son of Coen.’ Its most common variants include Coene, Koene, and Koenen.
147. Cohrs
Cohrs is a patronym that is derived from the given name Kohr, which means ‘daring counsel.’
148. Conrad
Conrad is relatively more popular as a given name that means ‘brave counsel.’ This surname is inspired by the given name.
149. Conradi
Easy to guess, Conradi is a patronymic title derived from Konrad. It is not an extremely popular last name in Germany.
150. Conzelmann
There is no known origin or meaning attached to Conzelmann. However, the surname is known in German and is also written as Konzelmann or Konzelman.
151. Cordes
Cordes is an occupational title for those who made cord or string. In French, it is a habitational surname for people who belonged to the places named Cordes.
Check out for more German last names.
American Last Names That Start With C
American surnames have evolved from the colonial era to modern times, carrying their rich cultural heritage. Here are a few popular surnames with roots in the land’s history.
152. Cannon
Cannon refers to a person who was employed as a church official or worked in a clergy house.
153. Carlson
Carlson is a patronym that means ‘son of Carl.’ American actor Richard Dutoit Carlson is a popular name bearer.
154. Carter
An occupational title for a person who transported goods on a cart, Carter could be derived from the Latin carettarius or Old French charetier.
155. Capers
The surname refers to a person who made copes or capes. The Dutch write the name as Kapers.
156. Catchings
Catchings refers to a ‘kitchen.’ It may have been an occupational title for someone who worked in a kitchen or was responsible for its upkeep.
Image: Momjunction Design Team
157. Chambers
Derived from the Middle English term chaumbre, the surname means ‘room.’ It was probably a title for someone who worked in the inner rooms of a mansion.
158. Chapman
Chapman means ‘trader’ or ‘merchant.’ American musician, Tracy Chapman is a popular namesake known for giving multiple hit singles.
159. Charleston
The surname is a patronym meaning ‘son of Charles.’ Charleson, Charlson, and Cherlson are some of its variants.
160. Choice
Choice could be derived from the given name Joyce, meaning ‘Lord.’ In some cultures the name means ‘chosen.’
161. Cobb
Cobb means ‘lump.’ It may have been a nickname for a man who was large in stature.
162. Coney
The occupational title Coney refers to someone who sold rabbits. It comes from the term cony meaning ‘rabbit.’
163. Cooksey
The surname could be derived from a given name or could refer to people who lived in a place named Cooksey, located in Worcestershire.
164. Cooper
Cooper means ‘barrel maker.’ It is an occupational title derived from the Middle English term couper.
165. Corley
The surname could be a habitational title for those who lived in places named Corley. It is derived from the Old English corna meaning ‘crane’ and lēah meaning ‘woodland clearing.’
166. Corwin
Derived from the Old French cordoan, the surname Corwin means ‘leather.’ It may have been an occupational title for people who sold leather.
167. Cox
Cox means ‘rooster.’ American actress Courteney Cox is a popular name bearer known for playing the role of Monica Geller in the iconic sitcom Friends.
168. Craig
Craig means ‘rocks.’ It may have been a surname denoting a person who lived near a crag. British actor Daniel Craig is a popular namesake, who features in the successful James Bond series.
169. Crawford
Crawford is composed of two Old English terms crawa meaning ‘crow’ and ford meaning ‘river crossing.’
170. Cruz
Cruz means ‘cross.’ Spanish actress Penélope Cruz is a popular bearer of this surname.
171. Curry
Curry could be the Anglicised form of the Irish patronymic surname Ó Comhraidhe or Ó Corra.
172. Cousin
The surname means ‘cousin.’ It may have been derived from the Middle English cousin and Old French cosin or cusin.
Check out for more American last names.
Latin Last Names That Start With C
Latin last names that start with C are a reflection of ancient cultures and classical learning. These surnames are found in different languages and parts of the world.
173. Cabral
This Portuguese surname is derived from the Late Latin capralis meaning ‘place of goats.’
174. Caesar
The surname comes from the Latin caesaries meaning ‘head full of hair.’ It won’t be wrong to say that this surname instantly reminds people of the Roman general and statesman, Julius Caesar.
175. Caivano
The Italian surname comes from the Latin Calvianum and is derived from the name Calvus. It means ‘bald.’
176. Caiazzo
A popular surname in Italy, it is derived from the masculine name Caius meaning ‘to rejoice.’
177. Calligaris
The surname is an occupational title derived from the Late Latin term caligarius, which refers to a ‘shoemaker.’
178. Calvo
Calvo is a surname used in multiple languages such as Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese. It comes from the Latin term calvus, meaning ‘bald.’
179. Capitani
A surname exuding the air of authority. Capitani is an occupational title that means ‘captain.’ It comes from the Latin term caput meaning ‘head.’
180. Cardozo
Prevalent amongst the Spanish and Portuguese population, Cardoso is derived from the Latin carduus, meaning ‘thorny.’
181. Carpenter
Derived from the Latin carpentarius, the surname is an occupational term for a ‘carriage maker.’
182. Carrara
Carrara finds its roots in the Late Latin term quadreria, meaning ‘quarry.’ It may have been a habitational name for native of the Tuscan city Carrara, which is known for its marble quarries.
183. Casal
Casal means ‘house.’ It is derived from the Latin term casa, which also means ‘house.’
184. Chester
Chester finds its inspiration in the Latin castrum, meaning ‘fortress’ or ‘camp.’ It may also be a habitational title for the natives of Chester, England.
185. Cicero
Derived from the Latin cicer or ciceris, the surname means ‘chickpea lentil.’ It may have been an occupational title for those who cultivated or traded in peas.
186. Cingolani
The Latin term cingo, meaning ‘ring’ or ‘surround,’ is likely to be the source of this surname. It may be a habitational title for those who lived in the town of Cingoli located in Marche, Italy.
187. Coiro
The Italian surname comes from the Latin word corium, meaning ‘leather.’ It may have been an occupational surname for a tanner or a person who worked with leather.
188. Constable
This surname has French and Latin roots. It is derived from the French conestable, which originated from the Latin comes stabuli, referring to ‘officer of the stable.’
189. Conti
Conti is derived from the Italian term conte. It is a noble title originating from the Latin comes, which means ‘count.’
Greek Last Names That Start With C
Greek civilization was rich in art, language, history, and culture. The following Greek surnames will give you a glimpse into this ancient world.
190. Calimeris
A surname associated with pleasantary, it means ‘good morning’. The last name is also written as Kalimeris.
191. Catarino
This last name stands for all things nice. The surname is derived from a given name and it means ‘pure.’
192. Catsouras
Derived from a given name, it means ‘curly.’ The surname could have been given to a person with curly hair.
193. Chalkias
An occupational title, the surname comes from the Greek term chalkeus. meaning ‘coppersmith.’
194. Charalambous
The surname comes from the first name Charalampo, meaning ‘to shine with happiness.’
195. Chatzigeorgiou
A patronymic title, the surname means ‘son of Georgios the pilgrim.’ In Greek, chatzi means ‘pilgrim.’
196. Chionidis
Chioni is the Greek term for ‘snow.’ The surname means ‘son of the snowy one.’ This last name is also found in Canada and Germany.
197. Chloros
Surnames associated with color are rare but not unheard of. In Greek, Chloros means the color ‘green.’
198. Christakis
The patronymic surname is derived from the given name Christos. The suffix -akis is mostly used to denote people from Crete.
199. Christodoulopoulos
Although a long surname, it is pretty meaningful. It means ‘descendant of Christ’s servant.’
200. Christodoulou
Christodoulos is a masculine Greek name that means ‘server of Christ.’ The surname is a patronym meaning ‘son of Christodoulos.’
201. Christofi
The surname comes from the given name Christofis, which is a nickname for Christophoros (the Greek version of Christopher).
202. Christoforou
Inspired by a given name, the patronymic surname Christoforou means ‘son of Christophoros.’
203. Chronis
Chronis means ‘time.’ It is derived from the Greek term chrónos. It is also considered a diminutive of the masculine name Polychronis.
Image: Momjunction Design Team
204. Chrysanthou
Carrying forward a family’s legacy, Chrysanthou is a patronym that means ‘son of Chrysanthos.’
205. Chrysikakis
A surname suitable for someone who loves all that glitters, Chrysikakis means ‘gold.’
206. Chrysovergis
The surname Chrysovergis means ‘golden rod.’ It is a combination of the two Greek terms chrysos and verge meaning ‘gold’ and ‘rod’, respectively.
207. Chryssomallis
Probably used for a beautiful blonde girl or boy, the surname Chryssomallis means ‘golden hair.’
Check out for more Greek last names.
Chinese Last Names That Start With C
Carrying ancestral traditions and culture with pride, these Chinese surnames or last names stand for their family lineages.
208. Cai
A habitational title, the surname refers to the state named Cai from the ancient Zhou dynasty. Cai is also the name of the special tortoise that is often a part of traditional rituals of divination.
209. Cao
A habitational title, the surname may have been adopted by people who lived in Cao, the ancient state of the Zhou dynasty.
210. Cen
In the Zhou dynasty, Cen referred to the official fief of the region. In China, Cen is considered an uncommon surname.
211. Chai
In Chinese, Chai means ‘firewood.’ The surname is considered a variant of the Mandarin Zhai and Cantonese Qi.
212. Chan
Chan has many meanings. It is derived from the surname Chen, which means ‘ancient,’ ‘display,’ or ‘exhibit.’ It also means ‘to explain.’
213. Chang
The surname is a variant of Zhang, meaning ‘to stretch’ or ‘to extend.’ In Old Chinese the surname means ‘constant’ or ‘often.’
214. Chao
Chao’s meaning varies according to the way it is spelled in Chinese. It may mean ‘dawn,’ ‘nest’ or omen.’ Alternatively, it may also refer to the ancient city of Zhao.
215. Che
Che means ‘cart’ or ‘carriage.’ It is considered a variant of the Chinese surname Xie and the Korean Chae.
216. Chea
Rooted in Khmer language, the surname means ‘to be well.’ Alternatively, it is also considered a variant of the Chinese Xie.
217. Chen
Also a popular given name, Chen means ‘ancient’ or ‘to describe.’ In Korean, the surname becomes Jin, while Dan is its Thai version.
218. Cheng
Cheng has Mandarin and Cantonese roots. In Chinese, Cheng means ‘rule’ or ‘order.’ In Cantonese, it refers to the ancient state of Zheng.
219. Cheung
Cheung is considered a derivative of multiple surnames. It could be derived from Zhang, meaning ‘to draw a bow, or it could also be inspired by Jian, which means ‘river.’
220. Chi
In Chinese, Chi means ‘pool.’ It also has an alternate meaning of ‘moat,’ probably adopted by people who lived next to a moat.
221. Chia
Also written as Jia or Che, the surname refers to a state name Xie that falls under the Hubei province. It is a known last name not only in China but also Singapore and Italy.
222. Chin
Chin is considered a variant of different surnames such as Chinn, Jin, Qian, and Zhen. It is a known surname in China and Korea.
223. Ching
Ching comes from the surname Cheng, which means ‘rules’ or ‘regulations.’ Apart from China, Ching is also a known surname in the Philippines.
224. Chiu
Chiu is derived from the habitational surname Zhao, which refers to the ancient place of the same name.
225. Chong
Chong is derived from the surname Zhang. British actress Christina Chong is known for appearing in several popular movies and TV shows such as Black Mirror, Doctor Who, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
226. Chow
Chow is a variant of the surname Zhou, which was the name of a place in ancient China.
227. Chu
Inspired by the surname Zhu, it means ‘red as vermillion.’ Zhu was also the name of a place in ancient China.
228. Chui
Chui comes from the surname Xu, which means ‘slowly’ or ‘calmly.’ Alternatively, it is also connected to the toponymic surname Cuī.
229. Cong
Cong means ‘bush’ or ‘clump.’ This surname is used in China and other countries such as Mongolia, Japan, and Korea.
230. Cui
A habitational title, Cui refers to a place that was a part of the current Shandong province.
Check out for more Chinese last names.
Korean Last Names That Start With C
These surnames depict the strong familial ties and historical influences on Korean culture.
231. Cha
A rare Korean surname, Cha means ‘wagon’ or ‘cart.’ People having this surname are mostly settled in the provinces of P’yŏngan, Gyeongsang, and Hwanghae.
232. Chae
Chae is derived from the Chinese surname Cai, which refers to the ancient state of Cai that prevailed in the Zhou dynasty.
233. Cheon
Cheon means ‘heavens’ or ‘sky.’ The way it is written also gives it the meaning ‘thousand.’
234. Chew
A variant of the Chinese surname Chu, it means ‘clear’ or ‘pain.’ The surname is also written as Ju or Chu.
235. Cho
Cho is the Korean counterpart of the popular Chinese surname Zhao, which was the name of an ancient city. Also, written as Jo, the surname was once a royal family name.
236. Choi
The surname means ‘high’ or ‘lofty.’ It is also written as Choe, Chey, or Chwe.
237. Chong
Also written as Jeong or Jung, it is one of the most common surnames in Korea. It could be derived from the Chinese last name Zhang, meaning ‘extension’ or ‘stretch.’
Check out for more Korean last names.
Arab Last Names That Start With C
Depicting geographic origins, tribal affiliations, or ancestral occupation, these Arabic surnames carry their century-old legacy.
238. Chahuán
Depicting all things larger than life, the surname means ‘luxurious,’ ‘voluptuous,’
or ‘completely full.’
239. Chaibi
Rooted in North African history, the surname means ‘person with white hair.’ French professional footballer Ilyes Chaïbi is a known bearer of this last name.
240. Chakroun
Chakroun finds its inspiration from the Arabic term Shukr, which indicates ‘gratefulness’ or ‘gratitude.’ This surname may have been given to people who exhibited thankfulness.
241. Chalhoub
Coming from the given name Shalhoub, the surname means ‘to warm oneself by the fire.’ It may also mean ‘generous.’
242. Chamas
There is no known meaning attached to the surname Chamas. Lebanese actor Mohamad Chamas is a notable bearer of this name.
243. Chamoun
Chamoun seems to be inspired by the masculine name Simon, which means ‘to hear’ or ‘to listen.’ This surname is found in parts of Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and even North Africa.
244. Chatti
The Arabic surname is found in Kuwait and Tunisia but has no specific meaning. However, it could be linked to the Germanic tribe Chatti, meaning ‘pursuers.’
245. Chebli
Chebli’s meaning may not be widely known but there are many famous bearers of this surname who have contributed to its popularity. German politician Sawsan Chebli is known for being a part of the Social Democratic Party.
246. Chishti
A toponymic surname, Chishti could be adopted by the natives of the Chisht town located in Afghanistan.
Check out for more Arab last names.
Haitian Last Names That Start With C
The population in Haiti is a mix of African and European people. This blend of cultures is evident in their surnames.
247. Cadet
Cadet is a relationship title that indicates ‘younger or youngest child.’ It used to identify the younger of multiple children in a family.
248. Cajuste
Having French roots, Cajuste means ‘bed or cabin in a ship.’ Alternatively, it may also be linked to the term juste, meaning ‘fair’ or ‘just.’
249. Camille
The surname is derived from the masculine name Camille, which means ‘youth who served or helped priests.’
250. Cantave
Cantave is a popular surname in Haiti, especially among the African American people. However, there is no specific meaning attached to it.
251. Cenat
Having roots in French, the surname could be derived from the nickname sénat, which means ‘senate.’
252. Cesar
Coming from the popular masculine name César, the surname means ‘long-haired’ or ‘hairy.’
Image: Momjunction Design Team
253. Cetoute
Cetoute is believed to be a nickname that later came into use as a surname. It comes from the French term ce tout, meaning ‘that all.’
254. Cineas
The surname is the Latin variant of the Greek name Kineas, a name borne by an adviser of King Pyrrhus. He was known for his unmatched wisdom.
255. Civil
The surname has French roots and means ‘civil,’ ‘educated,’ or ‘cultivated.’ Alternatively, it is also considered a nickname for a peaceful and lawful person.
256. Claude
The surname is derived from the French unisex name that means ‘crippled’ or ‘lame.’
257. Clerge
Clerge is a common surname in Haiti. It comes from the French term clergé, meaning ‘clergy.’
258. Clermont
A French habitational title, Clermont means ‘bright hill.’ It may also be derived from the feminine name Claremonde.
259. Casimir
Having Latin and Polish roots, this surname comes from the given name Kazimir, which means ‘destroyer of peace.’
260. Casseus
Derived from the masculine name Cassius, the surname means ‘empty’ or ‘vain.’ Haitian-American music composer Frantz Casseus is a popular namesake known for unique solo guitar compositions.
261. Cavalier
Cavalier means ‘knight rider.’ It is a variant of the French surname Chevalier. The surname is also popular in the UK.
262. Cius
The surname does not have any known meaning attached to it. However, it is a popular last name in Haiti.
263. Charles
Charles is a popular masculine name. As a surname, it comes from the Germanic name Karl, meaning ‘man’ or ‘freeman.’
264. Charlot
The surname is derived from the given name Charles, meaning ‘man’ or ‘freeman.’
265. Cherenfant
A nickname-turned-surname, Cherenfant means ‘dear child.’ It is linked to the French term cher enfant.
266. Cherilus
Cherilus means ‘piglet.’ It is often connected to the Latin name Choerilus and the Greek Choirilos.
267. Cherubin
The surname means ‘cherub.’ It may have been a surname given to a person known for their baby face.
268. Chery
Chery means ‘darling.’ It could be derived from the nickname Chéry or it could be a habitational name for people who belonged to regions named Chéry in France.
269. Colin
Having connections to different languages, Colin means ‘young hound’ in Irish. In French, it refers to a type of fish and bird.
270. Colas
Colas is the short version of the given name Nicholas that means ‘victory of the people.’
271. Compere
Compere means ‘godfather.’ It could be a nickname or a surname indicating a relationship.
272. Constant
This last name comes from the Late Latin name Constans, meaning ‘steadfast’ or ‘faithful.’
Russian Last Names That Start With C
From Chernov to Chirkov, every Russian surname bears the history of Russian society and their traditions.
273. Chayka
Meaning ‘seagull,’ the surname is derived from the word chayka. It is likely to have been a nickname.
274. Chaykovsky
The surname is the Russian variant of the Ukrainian surname Chayka, meaning ‘seagull.’
275. Chebotarev
There is no given meaning attached to this surname. However, it is popular in Russia and Ukraine. Chebotarev, Chebotarov, and Tschebotaröw are some of its variant spellings.
276. Chekhov
The toponymic surname refers to a native of Czechia. Russian playwright Anton Chekhov was considered one of the best writers of Russia.
277. Cherepanov
The meaning of this surname is unknown but it is a popular surname in Russia.
278. Chernov
Chernov means ‘black.’ Russian geologist and paleontologist, Aleksandr A. Chernov was recognized as the Honored Scientist of the RSFSR in 1946.
279. Chernyak
Believed to be originally a nickname, the surname is derived from the Russian Chërnyy, meaning ‘dark’ or ‘black.’ It may have been given to a person with dark hair or dark skin tone.
280. Chernyavsky
The surname means ‘black’ or ‘dark.’ It has variant spellings such as Chernyavskiy, Cherniavsky, and Chernyavskaya.
281. Chernykh
The surname could be derived from the name Cherniy, meaning ‘black.’ It is also written as Chyornykh.
282. Chesnokov
Derived from the Russian term chesnok, the surname means ‘garlic.’
283. Chirkov
Considered a royal or noble title, Chirkov comes from the word chirok, meaning ‘teal.’ It is the masculine counterpart of Chirkova.
Check out for more Russian last names.
Filipino Last Names That Start With C
Surnames from the Philippines show Spanish colonial influences and roots in other languages. These surnames are a blend of traditional and foreign culture.
284. Caballero
A common Spanish surname, Caballero means ‘knight.’ This occupational title was also used as a nickname.
285. Canlas
The surname may have been derived from the term kanlas, which means ‘future’ in the local Kapampangan language.
286. Canoy
Canoy could be derived from the term ka-núi-su, which means ‘great-grandchild,’ in Hokkien language. This surname is mostly common amongst Filipinos with a Chinese background.
287. Carino
Meaning ‘dear’ or ‘beloved,’ the surname is derived from the Italian name Caro. It is also linked to the masculine Carino.
288. Carlos
The surname is likely to be inspired by the given name Carlos, which is a variant of the English name Charles.
289. Carpio
The surname means ‘hill’ and is a habitational title for natives of the different places named Carpio located across Spain.
Image: Momjunction Design Team
290. Carreon
There is no specific known origin of this surname. However, it is often considered a variant of the habitational surname Carrion.
291. Cervantes
Cervantes could be derived from the Old Spanish term servanto, which means ‘servant.’ Alternatively, it could also be a habitational title denoting natives of the Cervantes region located in the province of Lugo, Spain.
292. Chua
Chua is a Hokkien variant of the Chinese surname Cai, referring to the ancient state of Cai that was a part of the Zhou dynasty.
293. Corpuz
The surname is the Filipino variant of Spanish corpus, meaning ‘feast of Corpus Christi.’ It is also considered a nickname given to a person with dark hair.
294. Cortez
The surname means ‘polite’ or ‘courteous.’ It may have been a nickname for a well-mannered person.
295. Cristobal
The Filipino surname is derived from the given name Cristóbal, which means ‘bearing Christ.’
296. Crisostomo
Having Spanish roots, the surname could be derived from the Greek Chrysostomos, Crisostomo, or Crisóstomo, meaning ‘golden-mouth.’
297. Cuevas
In Spanish, the term cueva means ‘cave.’ This surname could be a habitational title for the many places that are named Cuevas across different countries.
298. Cunanan
Cunanan has no specific meaning attached to it but is a known title in the Philippines.
299. Custodio
The surname means ’guardian.’ It finds its roots in the Latin term custodia, which means ‘protection.’
300. Concepcion
Meaning ‘conception,’ the surname could be a habitational title for the natives of La Concepción. The surname is also associated with the Immaculate Conception of Virgin Mary.
301. Constantino
Derived from a Greek given name, the surname means ‘constant’ or ‘steadfast.’ It is also a popular given name across countries.
302. Cinco
Derived from the Chinese surname Goo, the last name means ‘tall’ or ‘high.’ It could also be a nickname inspired by the Spanish cinco, which means ‘five.’
Check out for more Filipino last names.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there famous individuals with last names that start with C?
There are several famous personalities whose last names start with C. American actor Steve Carell, former American baseball player Coco Crisp, singer Miley Cyrus, and former English cricketer Alastair Cook are only a few of these renowned names who have popularized their C-letter surnames.
2. Can a last name starting with the letter C have multiple origins?
There are many C-letter surnames that have multiple origins. Cruz is a popular Spanish surname, which is also rooted in the Portuguese language. However, it originates from the English surname Cross, which is derived from the Latin term crux. Similarly, the last name Cabot has French and English origins as the Anglo-Norman title means ‘head.’
From popular surnames like Choi and Cooper to the rarer ones like Cinco and Chifu, last names that start with C have several origins and meanings. Whether researching your family history or curious about the diversity of these surnames, exploring their roots can be quite an interesting journey. These last names are a reminder of ancient traditions, professions, and habitations. They may belong to different languages but are connected by the thread of letter C.
Infographic: C-Letter Surnames Borne By Celebrities
Surnames that start with the letter C have been prevalent in different languages and cultures. But some surnames are more popular than others. One of the reasons for their popularity is their association with famous personalities. Here are some surnames that are known worldwide.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- Surnames that start with C belong to varied cultures and languages. From Celtic Campbell to the Japanese Chiba and the Spanish Cruz, these surnames represent the rich diversity of our world.
- Many of these surnames came into existence as professional titles. For instance, Carter denoted a person who transported goods on a cart.
- Some surnames show multiple influences and roots. For instance, Cabo has both Galician and Latin roots.
References
- Casanova was Famous for Being Famous.
https://daily.jstor.org/casanova-was-famous-for-being-famous/
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.
Read full bio of Ratika Pai
Read full bio of Poulami Nag
Read full bio of Shinta Liz Sunny
