Criss

♂ Boy

Pronounced KRIS /ˈkrɪs/High

Meaning: A short form and respelling of Chris (from Christopher, 'bearing Christ,' or Christian). Crisp and familiar, known from magician Criss Angel.Low

In 30 seconds: A crisp short name: Criss shortens Christopher, 'bearer of Christ' (said 'KRIS'). Snappy and familiar.

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Origin MediumEnglish, Greek

MeaningA short form and respelling of Chris (from Christopher, 'bearing Christ,' or Christian). Crisp and familiar, known from magician Criss Angel.

U.S. rank (2025)#12424 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2007

Total births (all-time)≈ 597

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Criss is a short form of Christopher ('bearing Christ') or Christian, spelled with a double s. It reads crisp and modern — rare as a full given name in the U.S. (said 'KRIS').

It appears only rarely as a standalone name. Rare, crisp, and familiar.

Did you know? Criss is a punchy respelling of Chris — from Christopher, 'bearing Christ,' or Christian — familiar from magician Criss Angel (said 'KRIS').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Criss — short for Christopher/Christian

Variations

ChrisKrisCris

Nicknames

CrissC

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Criss…

Chris— the standard spelling

Christopher— the full name behind it

Christian— a like Christ-rooted name

Kristopher— a like spelling cousin

Explore names like Criss

By thememodern short familiar

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Criss mean?

Criss is a short form of Christopher ('bearing Christ') or Christian.

How do you pronounce Criss?

It's said KRIS /ˈkrɪs/ — one syllable.

Is Criss a boy or girl name?

Criss is a boy's name.

How popular is Criss?

Criss is a rare name in the U.S.