Christine is a feminine given name of Latin origin, meaning "follower of Christ." It is derived from the Greek word 'christos', which means 'anointed' or 'messiah'. The name has been popular throughout history and continues to be widely used today. Christine was particularly common in France during the Middle Ages, where it was often bestowed upon daughters of noble families. In English-speaking countries, the name gained prominence in the 19th century and remained popular until the mid-20th century. Some notable individuals with the first name Christine include French author and intellectual Simone de Beauvoir, American actress Christine Lahti, and British explorer and writer Christina Dodwell. The name can also be found in various forms of literature, such as in Charles Dickens' novel "David Copperfield," where a character named Clara Copperfield is often referred to by her nickname, Christine.
"Christine's popularity as a baby girl name peaked in the mid-20th century, reaching its highest point in 1947 with 28 births. However, it has significantly declined since the late 20th century, with fewer than 15 births per year from 1990 onwards."