Declining since 1985, #9,457 for girls today.
Popularity of Christen since 1910
Babies named Christen per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 76 | 11 |
| 1920s | 143 | 6 |
| 1930s | 71 | 0 |
| 1940s | 43 | 6 |
| 1950s | 96 | 101 |
| 1960s | 510 | 136 |
| 1970s | 1,824 | 349 |
| 1980s | 4,749 | 428 |
| 1990s | 2,739 | 446 |
| 2000s | 899 | 391 |
| 2010s | 303 | 225 |
| 2020s | 68 | 86 |
Meaning & origin
Christen, a spelling variant of Christian, has been in use since at least 1910. It reached its peak popularity in 1982, coinciding with a rise in variant spellings of traditional names. Since 1985, its usage has been steadily declining, reflecting a broader shift away from names with strong religious associations in the late 20th century. Despite its fall in rank, it remains a recognizable choice, especially in regions with high religious adherence.
Christen is a variant of Christian, ultimately derived from the Latin 'Christianus' meaning 'follower of Christ.' It was originally used in medieval England as a given name for both boys and girls, though it became more common for girls in the 20th century. The spelling Christen emerged as a distinct variant, particularly in the United States.
Where Christen is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Chris, Chrissy, Christy
Sibling names for Christen
Names that share Christen's style, for a brother or sister.
