Kristen is a female given name of Scandinavian origin. It is derived from the Old Norse word "Krístr," which means "Christian." The name has been popular in Scandinavia for centuries and has since gained international recognition.
The use of Kristen as a given name can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when it was used to honor the Christian faith. In the 19th century, the name began to spread beyond Scandinavia, becoming more common in English-speaking countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
Today, Kristen is considered a classic yet modern name, with its popularity ebbing and flowing over the years. It has consistently ranked among the top 1000 most popular girl's names in the United States since records began being kept in the early 20th century. Variations of the name include Kristin, Kristine, and Kirsty.
In terms of cultural significance, Kristen is often associated with Scandinavian heritage and traditions. However, as a name with a strong religious meaning, it can also be found among families of various backgrounds who wish to honor their faith through their child's given name. Overall, Kristen is a timeless name that combines classic elegance with modern charm.
Kristen's popularity grew significantly from the 1950s onwards, peaking in the late 1960s and early 1970s with over 5000 births per year between 1962 and 1975. After the mid-1970s, its popularity started to decline steadily, reaching a low of around 100 births per year in recent years, with only 141 births recorded in 2023. In total, there were 218,486 babies named Kristen between 1938 and 2023.