"follower of Christ"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Kristen
Pronunciation: [ kr-IHST-uhn ]
Girl Name
#1,279 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
A Scandinavian classic meaning follower of Christ
Scandinavian
American
English
German
Classic
Traditional
Gentle
Vintage
Meaning & Origin
"anointed one"
Origin: Greek via Latin
Language: Scandinavian
The Story of Kristen
Kristen is a Scandinavian and German form of Christine or Christina, ultimately derived from the Latin Christianus, meaning follower of Christ or anointed one. The name entered Scandinavia through Christianity and became extremely popular across Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. It arrived in the English-speaking world in the mid-20th century as Scandinavian names became fashionable.
Kristen was a dominant name in the United States from the 1960s through the 1990s, peaking around 1980. It was part of a cluster of Kris- names popular with Baby Boomers. While less fashionable today, it remains familiar and is associated with the Millennial generation.
In Scandinavian countries, Kristen and Kristin are classic names with centuries of use, often given in honor of Saint Christine. In America, Kristen Stewart, the actress, has kept the name visible in popular culture.
Fun Facts
- Kristen is technically a unisex name in Scandinavia, where it is used for both boys and girls
- Kristen Stewart became the first American actress to win a French Cesar Award in 2015
Kristen in Other Languages
Danish
Kristen
French
Christine
German
Kristin
Spanish
Cristina
Norwegian
Kristen
Famous People Named Kristen
K
Kristen Stewart
Actor
1990
American actress known for Twilight series and Spencer, first American to win a French Cesar Award
K
Kristen Bell
Actor
1980
American actress and producer known for Veronica Mars and The Good Place
K
Kristen Wiig
Actor
1973
American actress and comedian known for Saturday Night Live and Bridesmaids
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,279
- Total SSA Count
- 181
- Cultural Origins
- Scandinavian American English German
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Kris
Krissy
Kristy
Pairs Well With
Kristen Marie
Kristen Lee
Kristen Lynn
Kristen Anne
Kristen Nicole
Kristen Elise
Kristen Joy
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Kristen is also used as a boy name, ranked #12076.
View Kristen as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kristen
What does the name Kristen mean?
"follower of Christ" (from Latin). "anointed one" (from Greek via Latin). Kristen is a Scandinavian and German form of Christine or Christina, ultimately derived from the Latin Christianus, meaning follower of Christ or anointed one. The name entered Scandinavia through Christianity and became extremely popular across Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. It arrived in the English-speaking world in the mid-20th century as Scandinavian names became fashionable.
What is the origin of the name Kristen?
Kristen has Latin, Greek via Latin, Scandinavian, American, English, and German origins. In Latin, it means "follower of Christ". In Greek via Latin, it means "anointed one".
Is Kristen a boy or girl name?
Kristen is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1279. As a boy name, it is ranked #12076. Kristen is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Kristen?
Kristen is pronounced kr-IHST-uhn.
How popular is the name Kristen?
Kristen is currently ranked #1279 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Kristen?
Common nicknames for Kristen include Kris, Krissy, and Kristy.
What are good middle names for Kristen?
Popular middle name pairings include Kristen Marie, Kristen Lee, Kristen Lynn, Kristen Anne, Kristen Nicole, Kristen Elise, and Kristen Joy.
What are good sibling names for Kristen?
Names that pair well with Kristen as siblings include Ashley, Megan, Lauren, Tyler, Ryan, Lindsay, and Caitlin.
How many syllables does Kristen have?
Kristen has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kristen a common or rare name?
Kristen is an uncommon name, ranked #1279 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Kristen
Kristen is a girl name with Scandinavian, American, English, and German origins . The name means "follower of Christ" in Latin .
Is Kristen a boy or girl name? Kristen is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,279 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #12,076. Kristen is more commonly used as a girl name.
Kristen is currently ranked #1,279 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Kristen has 2 syllables and is pronounced kr-IHST-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Kristen include Kris, Krissy, and Kristy. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Kristen include Kristina, Krisha, Kristel, Kristine, Kristin . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.