Kiersten is a feminine given name of Scandinavian origin, specifically from the Old Norse element "kjer" meaning "boat" or "ship," combined with the element "sten" meaning "stone." The name Kiersten is often associated with the Norwegian island of Kjerringøya, where many people share this name. In Old Norse, the name would have been spelled "Kiersten." The name has also been found in other Scandinavian countries such as Denmark and Sweden.
The name Kiersten is believed to have been brought to England by Viking invaders in the 9th century AD. It became more popular during the Middle Ages, particularly among the nobility, but fell out of fashion in the following centuries. However, it has seen a resurgence in popularity since the late 20th century.
The name Kiersten is often spelled with an "e" at the end instead of an "a," as was common in its earlier forms. This spelling is more popular in English-speaking countries such as the United States and Canada. The name can also be found with variations such as Kjersten, Kersten, and Kirsten.
There are no historical figures known by the name Kiersten, but it has been used by notable people in recent times. For example, Kiersten White is an American author of young adult fiction, while Kiersten Warren is a Canadian actress and singer.
The name Kiersten peaked in popularity between 1990 and 2004, with over 500 births per year during that period. However, there has been a significant decline in its usage since then, with fewer than 100 births per year recorded from 2016 onwards.