Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Kristen
GirlDanish, Norwegian· “follower of Christ”
- Meaning
- follower of Christ
- Origin
- Danish, Norwegian
- Pronunciation
- KRIHS-tuhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,999
- US babies 2025
- 96
- Best rank
- #33 (1982)
- Peak year
- 1982
Meaning and origin of Kristen
Kristen is a Danish and Norwegian name that means “follower of Christ”.
Kristen is the Danish and Norwegian form of Christian, used as a man's name in Scandinavia. In the United States it was adopted as a feminine name, a variant of Christine or Kirsten, and it became popular in the late twentieth century. The root is the Latin Christianus, "follower of Christ." Kristen has a friendly, familiar sound and is easy to spell. The actresses Kristen Bell and Kristen Stewart are well-known bearers. Kris, Kristy and Kiki are common nicknames.
Other spellings with the same sound: Christon.
Popularity over time
Kristen first appears in US Social Security records in 1938. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 70 different years, starting in 1946. Its best national rank was #33 in 1982, the same year it reached its highest count of 9,534 babies. In 2025, 96 babies were named Kristen, and it ranked #1,999 nationally. That is 69% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #678 in 1950, #39 in 1980, #142 in 2000, #577 in 2010, and #1,999 in 2025. Of the 218,767 US girls named Kristen since records began, 38% were born in the 1980s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 53,075 babies. Since 2010, 4,054 more have been named Kristen.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Kristin, Lindsay, Sara, Andrea, and Brandy.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kristen ranked highest in New Jersey, Tennessee, and Georgia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | #991 | 7 |
| Tennessee | #1060 | 6 |
| Georgia | #1470 | 6 |
| Florida | #1498 | 9 |
| Texas | #1673 | 14 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 97% of US babies named Kristen over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Kristen is usually pronounced KRIHS-tuhn, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with K and ends in “-en”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Christon.
Middle names for Kristen
A few middle names that flow with Kristen: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kristen
Similar names
Kirsten Girl
KUR-stuhn
“follower of Christ” · Scandinavian
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Lauren Girl
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Jayleen Girl
jay-LEEN
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Lists that include Kristen
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kristen mean?
Kristen is a Danish and Norwegian name that means “follower of Christ”.
What is the origin of the name Kristen?
Kristen has Danish, Norwegian, and English roots. Kristen is the Danish and Norwegian form of Christian, used as a man's name in Scandinavia.
Is Kristen a popular name?
Not especially. Kristen ranked #1,999 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Kristen a boy or girl name?
Kristen is mainly a girl's name. About 97% of US babies named Kristen over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Kristen?
Kristen is usually pronounced KRIHS-tuhn. 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