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Kirsten

♀ Girl

Pronounced KEER-sten /ˈkɪərstən/High

Meaning: Scandinavian (Danish and Norwegian) form of Christina, from Latin Christianus meaning 'follower of Christ,' from Greek Christos ('anointed one').High

In 30 seconds: A crisp Scandinavian classic meaning 'follower of Christ,' Kirsten brings Nordic cool to the Christina family. Elegant and grounded, it has been beloved in Denmark and Norway for centuries and in English-speaking countries since the 20th century.
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Origin HighScandinavian, Latin
MeaningScandinavian (Danish and Norwegian) form of Christina, from Latin Christianus meaning 'follower of Christ,' from Greek Christos ('anointed one').
U.S. rank (2024)#3134 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births51 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1991
Total births (all-time)≈ 53,119

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199119372024

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

History & Origin

Kirsten is the Danish and Norwegian form of Christina, which derives from Latin Christianus and ultimately from Greek Christos meaning 'anointed,' a title applied to Jesus Christ. The name Christina spread through Europe with Christianity, and each linguistic tradition adapted it: Kirsten in Scandinavia, Kristin in Swedish and Icelandic, Christine in French, and Kristina in German. Kirsten has been in continuous use in Denmark and Norway since the Middle Ages.

Kirsten entered English-speaking countries in the 20th century, gaining visibility through Scandinavian immigration and cultural exchange. In the United States, it was particularly popular in the 1970s and 1980s. The name has been borne by several notable figures, including actress Kirsten Dunst. It retains a clean, sophisticated character that bridges Scandinavian heritage and English-speaking appeal.

Did you know? Kirsten is the traditional Danish and Norwegian form of Christina — so while Kirsten may look distinctly Scandinavian today, it carries the same ancient Greek meaning as Christine: 'anointed one.'
Overall data confidence 95%
Behind the Name — Kirsten — Scandinavian form of Christina; etymologyOxford Dictionary of First Names — usage history in English-speaking countries

Variations

KristenKristinKirstinKirstyChristina

Nicknames

KikiKirstyKit

Famous Bearers

  • ★Kirsten Dunst (1982–present)
    American actress known for her roles in Spider-Man, Bring It On, and Fargo.

If you like Kirsten…

Kristen— parallel Scandinavian form of the same Christian root with very similar sound
Kristin— Swedish/Icelandic variant of the same Christina origin
Christina— the full Latin parent form sharing the identical 'follower of Christ' meaning
Kiersten— alternate anglicised spelling of the same Scandinavian name

Frequently Asked

What does the name Kirsten mean?

Kirsten means 'follower of Christ' or 'Christian,' from Latin Christianus, via the Scandinavian form of Christina.

How do you pronounce Kirsten?

Kirsten is pronounced KEER-sten /ˈkɪərstən/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Kirsten a boy or girl name?

Kirsten is used almost exclusively as a girls' name.

How popular is Kirsten?

Kirsten was popular in the United States in the 1970s–1990s and remains a well-recognised classic name today.