Declining since 1991, #2,822 for girls today.
Popularity of Kirsten since 1937
Babies named Kirsten per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 40 |
| 1940s | 297 |
| 1950s | 813 |
| 1960s | 6,662 |
| 1970s | 8,263 |
| 1980s | 8,741 |
| 1990s | 16,882 |
| 2000s | 9,337 |
| 2010s | 1,809 |
| 2020s | 337 |
Meaning & origin
Kirsten established itself in American records in 1937, and by its peak year of 1991 it entered the top 1,000 names nationally. Since 1991 its trajectory has been steadily falling, but the name retains a distinctive Scandinavian flavor. In 2025, it ranked 2,822, given to roughly 1 in 26,788 newborn girls. Its highest concentrations have been in Pennsylvania and Arizona, suggesting pockets of appeal in both Germanic-heritage and southwestern communities. The name's long association with the Danish and German form of Christine gives it a classic, cross-cultural footing that has kept it in steady if modest use for decades.
Kirsten is a Scandinavian and German feminine form of Christian, ultimately derived from Latin Christianus meaning 'follower of Christ.' It has been used in Denmark, Norway, and Germany since the Middle Ages, and gained moderate popularity in English-speaking countries during the 20th century as a variant of Christine.
Where Kirsten 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: Kirstie, Kiki, Kris
Sibling names for Kirsten
Names that share Kirsten's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Ingrid, Maren, Hannah, Elin, Clara, Annelise, Tawni, Marna, Cherrish, Kaaren, Kersten, Kristia, Treena, Jensine, Kirbi, Kirsta, Linnae, Lisbet, Heike, Jakki, Jette, Leslyn, Malene, Margrete, Tine, Trinna
Brothers: Lars, Erik, Soren, Anders, Magnus, Derik, Eric, Kristofer, Jansen, Kieth, Kirt, Steffen, Kriss, Erric, Jonerik, Nichlas, Brand, Kelvyn, Madsen
Names like Kirsten
Names whose popularity has moved with Kirsten's over the last 50 years.
