Declining since 1985, #1,990 for girls today.
Popularity of Kristen since 1938
Babies named Kristen per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 20 |
| 1940s | 776 |
| 1950s | 2,811 |
| 1960s | 18,039 |
| 1970s | 44,206 |
| 1980s | 83,228 |
| 1990s | 53,075 |
| 2000s | 12,558 |
| 2010s | 3,244 |
| 2020s | 810 |
Meaning & origin
Kristen is a feminine form of Christian that entered American baby-name charts in 1938. Its strongest decade was the 1980s, peaking at rank 1990 in 1982 (though 1990 is the year for that rank). Since 1985, its popularity has been steadily falling. In 2025, approximately 1 in 16,742 newborn girls received the name, placing it well outside the top 1000. The name's highest concentrations have historically been in New Jersey, Tennessee, and Georgia. While still recognizable, Kristen now carries a distinctly mid-century feel, much like its stylistic peers Jessica, Tiffany, and Amber. Its Scandinavian roots and straightforward spelling keep it accessible, but parents today increasingly favor fresher alternatives.
Kristen is a Danish and Norwegian form of Christian, ultimately from Latin Christianus meaning 'follower of Christ.' It became common in English-speaking countries in the mid-20th century, often used as a feminine variant of Christian. The name saw a surge in popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s.
Where Kristen 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: Krissie, Kris, Chrissy
Sibling names for Kristen
Names that share Kristen's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Kristen
Names whose popularity has moved with Kristen's over the last 50 years.
