Modernity vs. Tradition: The Sociolinguistic Significance of “C” and “K” in Female Names

This study investigates the sociolinguistic significance of orthographic preferences in English-speaking contexts, specifically the tendency to favour “K” over “C” in female names. Drawing on mixed-methods data from the Oxford Dictionary of First Names (2003), the Top 1,000 Baby Girl Names in the US (2025), and discussions on Reddit (r/namenerds), we examine how language, gender, and cultural perceptions shape orthographic choices. We identified 14 name pairs (e.g., Catherine/Katherine) for comparative analysis, each pronounced with the same /k/ sound despite the different spelling. Quantitative comparisons of name frequencies confirm a recent shift towards “K”, while a thematic analysis of 481 user comments highlights four main social meanings assigned to “C” vs. “K”: (1) modernity vs. tradition, (2) gendered symbolism, (3) cultural or heritage authenticity, and (4) practical clarity. These findings demonstrate how surface-level spelling decisions reflect broader sociocultural dynamics – from the ways parents “do gender” through naming choices to the ways digital forums shape linguistic trends. Grounded in social constructionism and digital identity frameworks, our study illustrates how naming norms reveal both evolving ideas of prestige and the tensions between individuality, tradition, and cultural identity in contemporary onomastics, sociolinguistics, and digital culture studies.