Kris is a name of Scandinavian origin, derived from the Old Norse word "krís," which means "thorn" or "thistle." It was traditionally used as a shortened form of names such as Christopher, Christine, and Kristine.
The name Kris has been popular throughout history, with notable figures bearing this name. In the 19th century, Kris van Assche was a Belgian fashion designer who became known for his minimalistic menswear designs. More recently, Kris Jenner is an American television personality and manager, best known for her role in the reality TV series Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
Despite its Scandinavian roots, Kris has been adopted by various cultures around the world. It is often used as a unisex name but is more commonly given to males. In some cases, Kris may also be associated with the Vietnamese name "Khôi," which means "talented" or "gifted."
Overall, Kris is a unique and versatile name that has stood the test of time, with its meaning and history making it an attractive choice for parents seeking a distinctive moniker for their child.
The name Kris peaked in popularity between the late 1960s and early 1970s with a high of 941 births in 1964, followed by a steady decline throughout subsequent decades, reaching an all-time low of 5 births in 2022.