Cairistìona
Cairistìona Origin and Meaning
Cairistìona is a feminine Scottish Gaelic form of Christina, meaning 'follower of Christ' or 'Christian.' This melodic name carries deep Celtic heritage and traditional Scottish roots. The distinctive accent mark (grave accent) on the 'i' indicates proper pronunciation in Gaelic. Primarily found in Scotland's Highlands and Islands, particularly in Gaelic-speaking communities, Cairistìona represents cultural preservation through naming traditions. While challenging for non-Gaelic speakers to pronounce (roughly 'kah-rish-CHEE-uh-nuh'), the name carries profound cultural significance for Scottish families. Often shortened to Caira, Kirsty, or Cairis in everyday use, it balances ancient heritage with practical adaptability. The name embodies Scottish cultural pride and connection to historical naming patterns.