Cristina is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It comes from the word 'Christus', which means 'anointed'. In Christian tradition, it refers to someone who is anointed or consecrated. The name Cristina was particularly popular among early Christians and has been used throughout history in various forms such as Christina, Christine, Kristin, and Kris.
The name Cristina gained prominence during the Middle Ages when it became popular among royalty and nobility. Queen Cristina of Sweden, who ruled from 1632 to 1654, is one notable example. She was known for her intelligence, political acumen, and religious tolerance, which contributed to her popularity and influence.
In literature, Cristina has also been featured prominently. One of the most famous examples is Christina Rossetti's poem "Goblin Market", published in 1862. Rossetti was an English poet of the Victorian era who is celebrated for her narrative poems and devotional works.
Today, Cristina remains a popular name worldwide, with notable figures such as Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, former President of Argentina, and Cristina Kenyon, American mathematician and computer scientist. Despite its historical roots, Cristina continues to be chosen by parents for their daughters due to its elegant sound and timeless appeal.
"The name Cristina experienced a significant rise in popularity from the mid-70s to the late 80s, with a peak of 23 births in 1987. However, it declined thereafter, reaching as low as 7 births in some years."