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 has been a popular choice for parents in the United States since the 1940s, with a steady increase in its usage throughout the mid-20th century. According to annual birth statistics, there were only 8 births each year in 1940 and 1941. However, the popularity of the name began to rise significantly during World War II, with 33 births recorded in 1944 and reaching a peak of 941 births in 1964.
The trend continued throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, with over 500 babies named Kris each year. However, as with many names, the popularity of Kris began to decline in the late 1970s and early 1980s, dropping below 100 births per year by 1984.
Despite this decrease, Kris has remained a consistent choice for parents, with an average of around 25 babies named Kris each year from the mid-1990s to the present day. In fact, in recent years, there have been fluctuations in its popularity, reaching as high as 37 births in 1985 and as low as 5 births in 2022.
Overall, according to the statistics provided, there have been a total of 13,554 babies named Kris born in the United States since 1940. This name has clearly stood the test of time, remaining a popular choice for parents for nearly eight decades.