Kristin is a feminine given name of Norwegian origin. It is derived from the Old Norse word "Krýsa," which means "golden." The name was popularized by the Norwegian author and playwright Henrik Ibsen, who used it as the main character in his play "A Doll's House" (1879). Kristin is often associated with strong female characters due to this influential work. Despite its Scandinavian roots, the name has gained international popularity over time. Today, it is recognized worldwide as a beautiful and meaningful name for girls.
The name Kristin has had a varied and interesting history of usage in the United States over the past century.
From 1932 to 1946, the number of babies named Kristin ranged from just seven in 1932 to a peak of 317 in 1948. The name's popularity continued to grow throughout the 1950s and 1960s, with over 1500 babies named Kristin each year between 1963 and 1970.
However, after reaching a peak of nearly 8000 births in 1981, the popularity of the name began to decline. Between 1982 and 2000, the number of babies named Kristin fluctuated between around 5000 and 8000 per year.
Since the turn of the millennium, the name's usage has continued to decrease. In 2022, only 37 babies were named Kristin in the United States, a significant drop from its peak popularity nearly four decades ago.
Overall, over 179,250 babies have been named Kristin in the U.S. since records began in 1932. Despite its decline in recent years, the name Kristin has clearly had a lasting impact on American naming trends.