MallowbyNames

Tristin

TRIS-tin · Variant of Tristan, meaning 'sad' or 'sorrowful', though the exact origin is debated.

2025 rank (boys)
#3,181
Babies named in 2025
37
Peak popularity
1996
2025 frequency
1 in 46,164 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 1997

Declining since 1997, #3,181 for boys today.

Popularity of Tristin since 1968

Babies named Tristin per year in U.S. Social Security records.

210420630198020002020Most births 1996GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1960s180
1970s1220
1980s522301
1990s8932,581
2000s1,0384,457
2010s2262,138
2020s8308

Meaning & origin

Tristin is a modern spelling variant of the classic name Tristan, which has roots in Celtic legend. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1981, reflecting a trend of altering traditional names with unique spellings. It reached its peak popularity in 1996, ranking among the top names of the 1990s. Since 1997, however, its usage has been declining. The current 1-in-46,164 frequency places it as a rare but recognizable choice, appealing to parents seeking a familiar name with a distinctive twist.

Tristin is a modern spelling variant of Tristan, which derives from the Celtic name Drystan. The name was popularized through the medieval legend of Tristan and Isolde. In the legend, Tristan is a knight of the Round Table, and the name has been associated with the Old French term 'triste', meaning 'sad', due to the tragic love story. Tristin emerged as a distinct spelling in the late 20th century, particularly in the United States.

Where Tristin is most popular

Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

2020s
Fewermore per 100k boystoo few births

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Tris, Trissy

Variants: Tristan, Tristen, Trystan

Sibling names for Tristin

Names that share Tristin's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

T is for Tristin, our favorite little boy.

T is for Tristin…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Tristin's letter becomes Tristin's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Tristin's book

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Questions parents ask

What does Tristin mean?
Tristin is a variant of Tristan, often interpreted as 'sad' or 'sorrowful', derived from the Celtic name Drystan and the Old French 'triste'.
How popular is Tristin currently?
As of 2025, Tristin ranked 3,181 among U.S. baby names, with approximately 1 in 46,164 newborns given the name.
Is Tristin a boy or girl name?
Tristin is primarily used for boys, though it has occasionally been used for girls. The digest data indicates it is typically a boy's name.