Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Krista
GirlScandinavian, German· “form of Christina; follower of Christ”
- Meaning
- form of Christina; follower of Christ
- Origin
- Scandinavian, German
- Pronunciation
- KRIHS-tuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #3,679
- US babies 2025
- 41
- Best rank
- #93 (1986)
- Peak year
- 1986
Meaning and origin of Krista
Krista is a Scandinavian and German name that means “form of Christina; follower of Christ”.
Krista is a Scandinavian and German form of Christa, a short form of Christina, from Latin christianus, "follower of Christ." The name has long been used in Scandinavia and Germany and became common in the United States in the late twentieth century. Pronounced KRIHS-tuh, it has a crisp, friendly sound. Krista is often chosen for its simplicity and its connection to the classic Christina family of names. It suits parents who want a familiar name with a slightly northern European flavor. Kris and Kristi are nicknames, and the name pairs well with longer middle names.
Other spellings with the same sound: Christa, Crista.
Popularity over time
Krista first appears in US Social Security records in 1937. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 59 different years, starting in 1950. Its best national rank was #93 in 1986, the same year it reached its highest count of 3,054 babies. In 2025, 41 babies were named Krista, and it ranked #3,679 nationally. That is 68% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #828 in 1950, #121 in 1980, #408 in 2000, #1,111 in 2010, and #3,679 in 2025. Of the 73,715 US girls named Krista since records began, 31% were born in the 1980s, its biggest decade. The 1970s come next, with 19,807 babies. Since 2010, 1,588 more have been named Krista.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Felicia, Nichole, Bethany, Mallory, and Krystle.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Krista ranked highest in Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Ohio.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | #970 | 9 |
| Indiana | #1125 | 5 |
| Ohio | #1588 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Krista is usually pronounced KRIHS-tuh, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with K and ends in “-ta”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Christa and Crista.
Middle names for Krista
A few middle names that flow with Krista: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Krista
Similar names
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Lists that include Krista
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Krista mean?
Krista is a Scandinavian and German name that means “form of Christina; follower of Christ”.
What is the origin of the name Krista?
Krista has Scandinavian and German roots. Krista is a Scandinavian and German form of Christa, a short form of Christina, from Latin christianus, "follower of Christ." The name has long been used in Scandinavia and Germany and became common in the United States in the late twentieth century.
Is Krista a popular name?
Not especially. Krista ranked #3,679 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Krista a boy or girl name?
Krista is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Krista?
Krista is usually pronounced KRIHS-tuh. 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