Embark on a journey into the world of African male names that begin with the letter “C”. Discover their rich histories, cultural significance, and the notable bearers who have shaped our world.
From Caiphas to Charles, Cephas to Clement, and Clifford to Clovis, these names resonate with strength, leadership, and diversity.
| Name | Meaning |
| Chege | Born during a period of heavy rain |
| Chidi | God is with me |
| Chinonso | God is with us |
| Chibuike | God is my strength |
Cagaba: This Tanzanian name means “brave” or “strong.” It is often given to boys who are expected to be leaders or protectors.
Caleb: This name is of Hebrew origin and means “faithful” or “devoted.” It is a popular name for boys in many African countries, including Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria.
Calvin: This name is of Latin origin and means “bald.” It is a popular name for boys in many English-speaking African countries, such as South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Cameron: This name is of Scottish origin and means “crooked nose.” It is a popular name for boys in many African countries, including Cameroon, Ghana, and Nigeria.
Cassius: This name is of Latin origin and means “hollow” or “empty.” It is a popular name for boys in many African countries, including Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.
Cedric: This name is of Welsh origin and means “chieftain” or “leader.” It is a popular name for boys in many African countries, including Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria.
Chaka: This Zulu name means “strong warrior.” It is the name of a famous Zulu king who ruled in the early 19th century.
Charles: This name is of French origin and means “free man.” It is a popular name for boys in many African countries, including Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria.
Cheick: This name is of Arabic origin and means “chief” or “leader.” It is a popular name for boys in many African countries, including Mali, Senegal, and Ivory Coast.
Chigozie: This Igbo name means “God’s blessing.” It is a popular name for boys in Nigeria and other Igbo-speaking countries.
Chris: This name is a short form of the Greek name “Christos,” which means “anointed one.” It is a popular name for boys in many African countries, including Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria.
Christopher: This name is of Greek origin and means “Christ-bearer.” It is a popular name for boys in many African countries, including Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria.
Claude: This name is of Latin origin and means “lame” or “crippled.” It is a popular name for boys in many French-speaking African countries, such as Senegal and Ivory Coast.
Clement: This name is of Latin origin and means “mild” or “merciful.” It is a popular name for boys in many African countries, including Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria.
Clifford: This name is of English origin and means “ford by the cliff.” It is a popular name for boys in many English-speaking African countries, such as South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Cornelius: This name is of Latin origin and means “horn.” It is a popular name for boys in many African countries, including Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria.
Cyprian: This name is of Greek origin and means “from Cyprus.” It is a popular name for boys in many African countries, including Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria.
Caiphas
History
Caiphas, the Jewish high priest during the time of Jesus’ crucifixion, played a significant role in the historical events surrounding Jesus’ trial and death. His involvement has been documented in various historical and religious texts, shedding light on the political and religious dynamics of the period.
Famous Bearers
Caiphas, the high priest who condemned Jesus Christ, is one of the most infamous bearers of the name. Other notable Caiphas include Caiphas Ndaki, a Tanzanian politician, and Caiphas Kambui, a Kenyan bishop.
Caiphus Semenya
Caiphus Semenya, a South African music legend, made his mark with his distinctive blend of jazz, mbaqanga, and African sounds. His songs, infused with social commentary, resonated with audiences, earning him the title “the people’s poet.”
Cecil
History
Cecil is a name of English origin, meaning “blind” or “dim-sighted.” It was brought to England by the Normans after their conquest in 1066.
The name became popular in the Middle Ages, and it has been used ever since.
Famous Bearers
- Cecil John Rhodes: British businessman and politician, founder of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe.
- Cecil Day-Lewis: Irish poet, writer, and translator.
- Cecil Beaton: British fashion, portrait, and war photographer, and diarist.
Cecil John Rhodes
Cecil John Rhodes, a prominent British imperialist and businessman, played a significant role in the colonization and development of Southern Africa.
His wealth and influence contributed to the expansion of the British Empire and the establishment of Rhodesia, later known as Zimbabwe.
Rhodes’ legacy remains controversial due to his involvement in colonial exploitation and his views on race and segregation.
Cecil the Lion
Cecil, a majestic African lion, captured the world’s attention when he was tragically killed by a hunter in 2015. Known for his distinctive black mane, Cecil became a symbol of the fight against illegal hunting and the importance of wildlife conservation.
Charles
History
Charles is a name of Germanic origin, with a rich history dating back centuries.
It is derived from the Old High German name “Karl,” meaning “man” or “free man.” Throughout history, Charles has been a popular name among royalty, with many notable kings and emperors bearing the name.
Famous Bearers
Charles, a name of Germanic origin, has been borne by many notable individuals throughout history.
From Charles the Great, who ruled over much of Europe in the 8th century, to Charles Darwin, the renowned naturalist who revolutionized our understanding of evolution, the name Charles has been associated with power, intellect, and innovation.
Charles K. Kao
Charles K. Kao, a renowned physicist, is considered the “Father of Fiber Optics” for his groundbreaking research in the field.
His work laid the foundation for modern communication technology, enabling the transmission of data over long distances with minimal loss.
Kao’s contributions have revolutionized telecommunications and the internet, shaping the digital landscape we rely on today.
Charles Taylor
Charles Taylor, a Liberian politician and former warlord, served as the 22nd President of Liberia from 1997 to 2003.
His presidency was marked by accusations of human rights abuses, corruption, and involvement in the Sierra Leone Civil War.
He was eventually convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity by the Special Court for Sierra Leone.
Charles de Gaulle
Charles de Gaulle was a French general and statesman who led the Free French Forces during World War II and later served as the first President of the Fifth Republic from 1958 to 1969.
He is considered one of the most important figures in French history.
Cephas
History
Cephas is a biblical name of Aramaic origin, meaning “rock” or “stone.” It is associated with the apostle Peter, who was given the name Cephas by Jesus.
The name Cephas is also found in the Old Testament, where it is used to refer to a son of Benjamin.
Famous Bearers
- Cephas Katto: Ugandan middle-distance runner, won gold in 1997 World Championships.
- Cephas Lumina: Kenyan footballer, played for the national team and various clubs.
- Cephas Howard: American baseball player, played for the Philadelphia Athletics.
Cephas Bansah
Cephas Bansah, a Ghanaian footballer, was born on October 18, 1970. He played as a midfielder for clubs in Ghana, South Africa, and Egypt.
Bansah also represented Ghana at international level, making 14 appearances and scoring two goals.
Cephas Howard
Cephas Howard, born in 1964, is an American basketball coach and former professional player.
He played for various teams during his career, most notably the Washington Bullets and Orlando Magic.
After retiring as a player, Howard embarked on a coaching career, leading several teams to success at various levels.
Chike
History
Chike, a name rooted in Igbo culture, carries a rich history.
Derived from the Igbo word “Chi,” meaning “God,” it signifies divine protection and blessings.
Historically, the name Chike was often given to children born during times of adversity or illness, symbolizing the hope for divine intervention and healing.
Famous Bearers
- Chike is a Yoruba name popular in Nigeria and other West African countries.
- Famous bearers include Chike Okoli, a Nigerian singer and songwriter, and Chikezie Eze, a Nigerian professional basketball player.
Chikezie Okeke
Chikezie Okeke, a distinguished Nigerian artist and professor, has gained international acclaim for his innovative contributions to contemporary African art.
His thought-provoking paintings, sculptures, and installations explore themes of identity, history, and the complexities of the human condition.
Okeke’s works have been exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums worldwide, solidifying his position as a leading figure in the global art scene.
Chike Ofoedu
Chike Ofoedu is a prominent figure in the Nigerian business realm, renowned for his acumen and leadership in the banking sector.
As the former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, he steered the institution toward significant growth and profitability, leaving a lasting impact on Nigeria’s financial landscape.
Clement
History
Clement is a name of Latin origin, meaning “mild” or “merciful.” It has been borne by several notable figures throughout history, including Clement of Alexandria, a 2nd-century Christian theologian, and Clement Attlee, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1945 to 1951.
Famous Bearers
- Julius Caesar: Roman emperor and military leader known for his conquests and political reforms.
- Clement Attlee: British statesman and Prime Minister who led the Labour Party to victory in the 1945 general election.
- Charles de Gaulle: French general and statesman who led the Free French Forces during World War II and served as President of France from 1958 to 1969.
Clement Attlee
Clement Attlee, a prominent British Labour politician, served as Prime Minister from 1945 to 1951. His leadership saw the implementation of significant social reforms, including the establishment of the National Health Service and the welfare state.
Attlee’s dedication to social justice left a lasting impact on British society.
Clement Greenberg
Clement Greenberg, a renowned art critic, was born in New York City. He is widely recognized for his influential writings on modern art, particularly his advocacy for abstract expressionism.
Greenberg’s critical theories, emphasizing flatness, clarity, and unity, profoundly impacted the course of 20th-century art.
Clement Clarke Moore
Clement Clarke Moore was an American author and professor of Oriental and Greek literature.
He is best known for his poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas”, which is commonly known as “The Night Before Christmas”.
Clifford
History
Clifford is a name of English origin, meaning “ford by the cliff.” It has been used in England since the Middle Ages and was brought to America by early settlers.
Clifford is a popular name for boys, and it has been ranked among the top 1000 names in the United States since the 19th century.
Famous Bearers
- Clifford Cramp, American biologist, author, and ornithologist.
- Clifford Odets, American playwright and screenwriter.
- Clifford Shull, American physicist and Nobel laureate.
- Clifford Brown, American jazz trumpeter.
- Clifford Geertz, American anthropologist and writer.
Clifford Shull
Clifford Shull, an American physicist, made significant contributions to the field of neutron scattering.
His work helped elucidate the magnetic structure of materials, leading to advancements in solid-state physics.
For his groundbreaking research, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1994, shared with Bertram Brockhouse.
Clifford Brown
Clifford Brown, a renowned jazz trumpeter and composer, emerged as a prodigious talent in the bebop and hard bop scenes of the 1950s.
His virtuosic trumpet playing, characterized by its soaring melodies and impeccable technique, earned him widespread acclaim and solidified his legacy as one of the most influential jazz musicians of his era.
Clifford Geertz
Clifford Geertz, an influential anthropologist, was born in 1926 and passed away in 2006.
He made significant contributions to the field of cultural anthropology, particularly through his concept of thick description and his emphasis on the importance of understanding local contexts and meanings.
Clovis
History
Clovis, a significant figure in Frankish history, emerged as a paramount leader during the 5th century.
His reign marked a pivotal moment in the transformation of the Franks from a collection of disparate tribes into a unified and formidable kingdom.
Clovis’s military prowess and strategic alliances played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of Western Europe.
Famous Bearers
Clovis, the first king of the Franks, is a renowned historical figure. Other notable bearers of the name Clovis include:
- Clovis I, King of the Visigoths
- Clovis II, King of Neustria and Burgundy
- Clovis III, King of Austrasia
- Saint Clovis, Bishop of Tours
Clovis I
Clovis I, King of the Franks from 481 to 511, was a significant figure in European history.
Through military conquests and strategic alliances, he united much of modern-day France under his rule and played a key role in the Christianization of the Frankish kingdom.
Clovis Kamzong
Clovis Kamzong is a Cameroonian footballer who plays as a forward for Al Hilal United.
Born in Douala, he began his career with Kadji Sports Academy before moving to Europe to play for various clubs in France, Belgium, and Portugal.
Kamzong has also represented Cameroon at the international level, earning 11 caps and scoring 3 goals.
Clovis Cornillac
Clovis Cornillac, a French actor, director, and producer, was born on August 16, 1967, in Lyon, France.
He began his career in the early 1990s, appearing in small roles in films and television shows.
He gained recognition for his performances in films such as “Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra” and “The Intouchables”.
Cornillac has also directed and produced several films, including “Un peu, beaucoup, aveuglément” and “Un peu, beaucoup, passionnément”.
Final Verdict
As we conclude our exploration of African male names starting with “C,” we find a rich tapestry of diverse origins, historical significance, and prominent bearers. From the biblical Caiphas to the legendary Cecil the Lion, and from the influential Charles de Gaulle to the renowned Chikezie Okeke, these names carry stories of leadership, courage, creativity, and impact.
Whether rooted in ancient traditions or borne by modern luminaries, each name holds a unique place in the African cultural landscape, reminding us of the continent’s rich heritage and its enduring contributions to the world stage.
