Declining since 1989.
Popularity of Krysten since 1960
Babies named Krysten per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 47 |
| 1970s | 184 |
| 1980s | 1,444 |
| 1990s | 1,570 |
| 2000s | 566 |
| 2010s | 197 |
| 2020s | 30 |
Meaning & origin
Krysten is a modern respelling of Kristen, following a pattern of inventive name spellings that flourished in the late 20th century. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1960 and reached its peak in 1988, the year of its highest recorded usage. Since 1989, its popularity has steadily declined, and as of 2025 it no longer appears in the top 1,000 names. The name never registered a 1-in-N incidence, indicating it was always relatively uncommon. While not associated with any particular region, it fits a cohort of similarly styled names like Kaitlyn and Brittney that defined the era.
Krysten is a modern respelling of Kristen, itself a Danish and Norwegian form of Christina, ultimately from the Greek 'christianos' meaning 'follower of Christ'. The name emerged in the United States in the mid-20th century, gaining popularity in the 1980s. Its rise reflects a broader trend of inventive spellings for traditional names, particularly Kristen and Christine, as parents sought distinctive variants.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kryss, Krys, Tenny
Sibling names for Krysten
Names that share Krysten's style, for a brother or sister.
