Kerstin is a female given name of Scandinavian origin. It is derived from the Old Norse name Hervör, which consists of the elements "her" meaning "army" and "varr" meaning "ardent". Therefore, Kerstin can be translated as "ardent in battle" or "warrior maiden".
The name Kerstin has a long history in Scandinavia, particularly in Sweden where it has been used for centuries. It was the name of several historical figures, including Kerstin Ekman, a Swedish author known for her novels about rural life, and Kerstin Thorvall, a pioneering Swedish women's rights activist.
Today, Kerstin remains a popular name in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries. However, it is less commonly used elsewhere, making it somewhat unique outside of Scandinavia. Despite its lesser-known status internationally, Kerstin has a rich history and a strong meaning that continues to resonate with parents looking for a distinctive name for their daughters.
The name Kerstin peaked in popularity during the late 1960s and early 1970s with a high of 46 births in 1969 and remained relatively popular throughout the 1970s, reaching a peak of 53 births in 1981. However, its popularity declined significantly thereafter, with fewer than 20 births per year since 1993. The most recent data shows only 5 births in 2021, indicating that Kerstin is now quite rare as a baby name in the current era.