Christian is a personal name used for people of either sex. It is classified as a given name and derives from the Latin term Christianus, literally meaning "a follower of Christ." The name has a long history of use in Europe and in other regions where European languages are spoken.
Etymology and history
The word originates in early Christian Latin and spread into vernacular languages during the medieval period. Records show the name in use from the Middle Ages, appearing in various forms across different languages and cultural contexts.
Geographical and gender usage
Across Europe the name is generally given to males in many countries, though traditions vary by region and language. In the United States and other English-speaking areas, it has been used for both men and women, with some periods and places favoring one gender over the other. Historical sources also note usage of the name for women in Scotland during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Variants and short forms
Feminine forms and cognates include names such as Christine, Christina, Christiane, Kristen, Kristin, and Kirsten. Common shortened forms and informal versions of Christian include, among others, the nicknames Chris, Chrissy, Crix and Xian.