Everything about the name KRISTEN

Meaning, origin, history

Kristen is a name of Scandinavian origin, derived from the Old Norse name Krístrinn, which means "follower of Christ." This name has been widely used in Scandinavia for centuries and was brought to other parts of Europe by Viking settlers.

In the Middle Ages, Kristen was popular among royalty and nobility. One notable figure with this name is Kristen Lavransdatter, the main character in Sigrid Undset's Nobel Prize-winning trilogy about medieval Norway. This literary figure has helped to perpetuate the name's popularity in Scandinavia.

Over time, Kristen has evolved into a more feminine form of Christopher, which is why it is often associated with female names such as Christine or Christina. However, Kristen remains a unique and distinct name in its own right.

Today, Kristen is used as both a male and female name throughout the world, although it is still most commonly found in Scandinavia. Despite its historical roots, Kristen feels modern and fresh, making it a popular choice for parents seeking a name that is both traditional and contemporary.

Popularity of the name KRISTEN since 1880

Birth evolution

Popularity analysis

The name Kristen has been popular among parents in the United States for several decades, with a total of 2167 babies being named Kristen between 1947 and 2023.

Looking at the statistics year by year, we can see that the popularity of the name Kristen varied over time. In the early years, there were fewer than 10 births per year. However, starting in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s, the number of babies named Kristen began to increase significantly.

The peak years for the name Kristen were from 1966 to 1974, with a high of 71 births in 1975. During this time, Kristen was one of the top 10 most popular names for girls in the United States. This popularity continued into the 1980s and early 1990s, although the number of babies named Kristen began to decline after 1990.

Since then, the name Kristen has remained relatively steady, with around 10 births per year on average. While it is no longer one of the top names for girls in the United States, it continues to be a popular choice among parents looking for a classic and timeless name.

Overall, these statistics show that Kristen has been a beloved name for many decades, with its popularity rising and falling over time like many other names. However, despite fluctuations in its ranking, Kristen remains a well-established and recognizable name in the United States today.