Cristina is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "Christus," which means "anointed one" or "follower of Christ." The name was initially used as a title for Jesus Christ and later became a personal name.
The name Cristina gained popularity during the Middle Ages in Europe, particularly in Spain and Italy, where it was often used to honor the Christian faith. In some cases, the name was also given to girls born on Christmas Day or to those who were baptized on that day.
Over time, variations of the name Cristina have emerged in different cultures. Some common variants include Christina, Christine, Cristina, and Kris. Despite these variations, the core meaning of the name remains the same: it represents a connection to the Christian faith and tradition.
Today, Cristina is still widely used as a given name for girls around the world. It is often associated with qualities such as strength, courage, and devotion, although these traits are not inherent to the name itself but rather reflect cultural perceptions of what it means to be named Cristina. Ultimately, the significance of the name Cristina lies in its historical and religious roots, which continue to influence its use today.
The name Cristina has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past century in the United States. Between 1906 and 1947, the number of births with the name Cristina fluctuated between a low of 8 in 1906 to a peak of 67 in 1947.
From 1948 onwards, there was a steady increase in the popularity of the name Cristina. The number of births peaked at 234 in 1958 and continued to rise until it reached an all-time high of 326 births in 1965. This period saw a significant increase in the popularity of the name, with more parents choosing Cristina for their daughters.
However, from the mid-1970s onwards, there was a decline in the popularity of the name Cristina. The number of births decreased steadily until it reached a low of 234 in 1982. Despite this decrease in popularity, Cristina remained a moderately popular name throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Cristina has continued to decline. Between 2000 and 2022, the number of births with the name Cristina ranged from a high of 350 in 2000 to a low of 148 in 2022.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Cristina has fluctuated significantly over the past century, it remains a classic and timeless name that continues to be chosen by parents today.