"anointed one (short form of Christina)"
Origin: Greek via Latin
Language: English
Criss
Pronunciation: [ kr-IHS ]
Criss is a girl name of Greek via Latin origin meaning "anointed one (short form of Christina)." Ranked #23,409 in the US, popular nicknames include Cri, Cry, and Criie.
A sharper, fresher spin on timeless Christina
English
American
Crisp
Modern
Gender Neutral
Short And Sweet
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Criss
Criss is a distinctive double-S spelling variant of Chris or Kris, the beloved short form of Christina and Christine, both derived from the Greek Christos meaning anointed one. The double-S creates a visual sharpness that sets it apart from the conventional Chris, giving the name a modern, slightly edgy quality. While Chris/Kris have long been used as standalone names across genders, the Criss spelling adds a contemporary twist that feels fresh while remaining instantly pronounceable and recognizable across cultures and languages. It sits in the tradition of crisp, one-syllable names that carry weight beyond their size.
Criss as a feminine name spelling is extremely rare, appealing to parents who love the simplicity and familiarity of Chris/Kris but want a truly unique presentation for their daughter.
Part of the long tradition of short, standalone forms of Christian-derived names that have been used independently for over a century, embodying the modern preference for simple, direct names.
Historical Record
Criss first appeared in US Social Security records in 1951.
Over 98 babies have been named Criss in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Criss is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #23,409 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The name Christina traces to the Greek Christos meaning anointed, the same root as Christ and Christmas
- Criss Angel is the stage name of American illusionist Christopher Sarantakos, famous for his daring illusions
- Single-syllable girl names like this have surged in popularity as parents embrace minimalist naming
Criss in Other Languages
French
Chris
English
Criss
Italian
Cris
Spanish
Cris
Popularity Over Time
#23,409
Current Rank
Rare
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Criss
C
Criss Angel
Entertainer
1967
American illusionist and magician known for extreme stunts and TV show Mindfreak
K
Kris Jenner
Business
1955
American media personality and businesswoman, matriarch of the Kardashian-Jenner family
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #23,409
- Total SSA Count
- 7
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Nicknames
Cri
Cry
Criie
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Distinctive pick, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Distinctive pick, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Distinctive pick, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Criss
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Criss is also used as a boy name, ranked #18437.
View Criss as a boy name →Similar Names
See all names like Criss →Compare Criss with...
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Frequently Asked Questions About Criss
What does the name Criss mean?
"anointed one (short form of Christina)" (from Greek via Latin). Criss is a distinctive double-S spelling variant of Chris or Kris, the beloved short form of Christina and Christine, both derived from the Greek Christos meaning anointed one. The double-S creates a visual sharpness that sets it apart from the conventional Chris, giving the name a modern, slightly edgy quality. While Chris/Kris have long been used as standalone names across genders, the Criss spelling adds a contemporary twist that feels fresh while remaining instantly pronounceable and recognizable across cultures and languages. It sits in the tradition of crisp, one-syllable names that carry weight beyond their size.
What is the origin of the name Criss?
Criss has Greek via Latin, English, and American origins. In Greek via Latin, it means "anointed one (short form of Christina)".
Is Criss a boy or girl name?
Criss is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #23409. As a boy name, it is ranked #18437. Criss is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Criss?
Criss is pronounced kr-IHS.
How popular is the name Criss?
Criss is currently ranked #23409 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Criss?
Common nicknames for Criss include Cri, Cry, and Criie.
What are good middle names for Criss?
Popular middle name pairings include Criss Michelle, Criss Lynn, Criss Marie, Criss Renee, and Criss Anne.
What are good sibling names for Criss?
Names that pair well with Criss as siblings include Dana, Brett, Drew, Morgan, and Lee.
How many syllables does Criss have?
Criss has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Criss a common or rare name?
Criss is an uncommon name, ranked #23409 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Criss?
About the Name Criss
Criss is a girl name with English and American origins . The name means "anointed one (short form of Christina)" in Greek via Latin .
Is Criss a boy or girl name? Criss is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #23,409 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #18,437. Criss is more commonly used as a boy name.
Criss is currently ranked #23,409 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Criss has 1 syllable and is pronounced kr-IHS, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Criss include Cri, Cry, and Criie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Criss include Cristina, Cristal, Cristel . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis