Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Christine
GirlFrench, Latin· “follower of Christ”
- Meaning
- follower of Christ
- Origin
- French, Latin
- Pronunciation
- krihs-TEEN
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,274
- US babies 2025
- 176
- Best rank
- #14 (1967)
- Peak year
- 1952
Meaning and origin of Christine
Christine is a French and Latin name that means “follower of Christ”.
Christine is the French form of Christina, from the Late Latin Christiana, "Christian," ultimately from the Greek Christos, "anointed." Saint Christina, an early martyr, helped spread the name in medieval Europe. The medieval writer Christine de Pizan, one of the first women in Europe to earn a living by writing, is a notable bearer. Christine was widely popular in the English-speaking world in the mid-twentieth century. It sounds elegant and poised. Chris, Chrissy, Tina and Kiki are familiar nicknames.
Other spellings with the same sound: Kristine.
Popularity over time
Christine has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 140 different years. Its best national rank was #14 in 1967, and the most babies received it in 1952, when 17,548 were named Christine. In 2025, 176 babies were named Christine, and it ranked #1,274 nationally. That is 51% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #118 in 1920, #28 in 1950, #41 in 1980, #217 in 2000, #669 in 2010, and #1,274 in 2025. Of the 586,465 US girls named Christine since records began, 24% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 113,340 babies. Since 2010, 4,994 more have been named Christine.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Janice, Beverly, Gail, Kathryn, and Kathleen.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Christine ranked highest in South Carolina, Kentucky, and Massachusetts.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | #711 | 6 |
| Kentucky | #776 | 5 |
| Massachusetts | #785 | 6 |
| Indiana | #838 | 7 |
| Washington | #947 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Christine is usually pronounced krihs-TEEN, with two syllables. It has nine letters, starts with C and ends in “-ne”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Kristine.
Middle names for Christine
A few middle names that flow with Christine: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Christine
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Lists that include Christine
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Christine mean?
Christine is a French and Latin name that means “follower of Christ”.
What is the origin of the name Christine?
Christine has French, Latin, and Greek roots. Christine is the French form of Christina, from the Late Latin Christiana, "Christian," ultimately from the Greek Christos, "anointed." Saint Christina, an early martyr, helped spread the name in medieval Europe.
Is Christine a popular name?
Not especially. Christine ranked #1,274 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Christine a boy or girl name?
Christine is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Christine?
Christine is usually pronounced krihs-TEEN. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings