Christina is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It comes from the masculine name Christian, which itself derives from the Late Latin word "Christianus," meaning "follower of Christ." The name was originally used to refer to early Christians, but it eventually became popular as a given name for both boys and girls in various cultures around the world.
The name Christina has been used since the Middle Ages. It gained popularity during the Renaissance period when it was often given to daughters of noble families in Europe. Some notable historical figures with this name include Christina, Queen of Sweden (1626-1689), who was a prominent political figure and writer; Christina, Grand Duchess of Russia (1750-1774), wife of Paul I of Russia; and Christina Rossetti (1830-1894), an English poet known for her narrative poems and devotional prose.
In literature, the name Christina has been used by several authors to create memorable characters. Examples include Christina Daisy Hilton in Truman Capote's novella "Breakfast at Tiffany's," Christina Browning in Gillian Flynn's novel "Gone Girl," and Christina Fitzsimmons in Elizabeth George's Inspector Lynley mystery series.
The popularity of the name Christina has varied over time and by region. In the United States, it was particularly popular during the mid-20th century, peaking at number 48 in 1956. Today, it remains a relatively common name, ranking around number 400 for girls born in recent years.
In summary, Christina is a feminine given name of Latin origin that means "follower of Christ." It has been used since the Middle Ages and gained popularity during the Renaissance period. Notable historical figures with this name include Queen Christina of Sweden and Christina Rossetti. Additionally, Christina has appeared as a character in various works of literature throughout history.
Sources:
* Behind the Name: Christina (https://www.behindthename.com/name/christina)
* The Baby Name Wizard: Christina (http://www.babynamewizard.com/names/christina)
* Social Security Administration: Popular Names Over Time (https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/)
* Encyclopedia Britannica: Christina, Queen of Sweden (https://www.britannica.com/biography/Christina-Queen-of-Sweden)
* Biography.com: Christina Rossetti (https://www.biography.com/writer/christina-rossetti)
"The name Christina experienced significant popularity in the late 1960s to mid-1970s with a peak of 85 births in 1978, but has since declined drastically to around 6 births annually by 2012."