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International Variations of Christina

Linda Rosenkrantz
By Linda Rosenkrantz
Updated Fri Feb 16 2024

Christina, the most common feminine form of Christian or Christopher in the US, was most popular during the 1970s and 80s. Famous bearers of the traditional girls' name Christina include actresses Christina Applegate, Christina Hendricks and Christina Ricci, and musician Christina Aguilera, all of whom were born during the peak of the name's popularity.

Along with Christina, the only other international variation of Christina in the US Top 1000 is Christine. Scandinavian short form Stina is a top name in Sweden. Parents looking for a fresh twist on Christina, perhaps to honor a friend or family member, have many intriguing international variations to choose from. Along with the more expected ones, like Christa, Tina, and Kristin, there are a great many unique forms of Christina from around the world, like Kirsty and Cairistiona from Scotland, or Kjerstin and Kirsi from Scandinavia. Discover more beautiful international variants of Christina in the list below, ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry.

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International Forms of Classic Names

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  1. Christina

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "a Christian"

    • Description:

      Christina, a pretty and feminine, crystal clear classic, may be trending downward, but it's never out of style. Christina's short forms Chris, Christie, and Tina all seem dated—making the royal Christina best used in its full glory.
  2. Christine

    • Origin:

      French variation of Christina

    • Meaning:

      "Christian"

    • Description:

      Christine was the dominant feminine variation of Christopher forty or fifty years ago, when French E-endings were preferred over As; it was a Top 20 name for several years, from 1966 to 1974. But though it still hangs in on the popularity list, today most any other version would be considered more stylish, from Kristen to Kirsten to Christina herself.
  3. Tina

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Christina et al

    • Description:

      Tina, despite its petite and tinkly image, is apt these days to be replaced by the more elegant originals, Christina and Martina.It does have some strong namesakes, though, in Tina Turner (born Anna Mae), Tina Brown (born Christina), Tina Fey (born Elizabeth), and photographer Tina Barney (born Tina).
  4. Kristen

    • Origin:

      Danish and Norwegian variation of Christine

    • Meaning:

      "a Christian"

    • Description:

      Kristen may be somewhat past its fashion high point, but it remains forever crystalline clear. Possible problem: confusion with the similar Scandinavian names Kristin, Kirsten, Kirstie, et al.
  5. Kirsten

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Christine

    • Description:

      Lovely, authentic name -- but any Kirsten will be condemned to a lifetime of hearing "Did you say Kristen?" They're both genuine Scandinavian names but too interchangeable.
  6. Kristina

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Christina

    • Meaning:

      "annointed, a Christian"

    • Description:

      This streamlined form of a pretty and feminine classic may not be as popular as it once was, but it's never out of style. A royal name best used now in its full glory rather than as nicknames Kris or Kristy.
  7. Kia

    • Origin:

      African

    • Meaning:

      "season's beginning"

    • Description:

      Kia is a sweet, simple name that is now, unfortunately, associated with a Korean car label. Better today: Nia, Thea, or Keira.
  8. Christophine

    • Origin:

      Feminine form of Christopher, Greek, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "bearer of Christ"

    • Description:

      This rare feminization of Christopher blends in the sounds of the popular Josephine and is certainly more unexpected than Christine or Christina. German artist Christophine Reinwald (sister of playwright Friedrich von Schiller) is one notable bearer, while writer Jean Rhys used the name for a character in her 1966 Jane Eyre retelling, Wide Sargasso Sea. In the Caribbean and the UK, Christophine is also the colloquial name for the chayote fruit, a type of gourd named as such in reference to Christopher Columbus.
  9. Christiane

    • Origin:

      German and French feminine form of Christian

    • Description:

      There are not one but two notable modern women with this name: journalist Christiane Amanpour and physician/author Christiane Northrup. In Germany, the pronunciation is kris-tee-AH-na while in France, it's kris-tee-AHN — and in the U.S., there's sure to be confusion. While Christiane is not stylish, it's a strong, attractive, unusual-though-familiar name.
  10. Kirsty

    • Description:

      Kirsty is a feminine name of Scottish origin, serving as a diminutive form of Christina or Kirsten. Popular throughout the United Kingdom, particularly in Scotland, this charming name peaked in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s. Kirsty means 'follower of Christ' and carries a bright, spirited quality that balances traditional roots with a contemporary feel. The name has been borne by several notable figures including Scottish swimmers Kirsty Balfour and Kirsty Coventry, giving it athletic associations. While its usage has declined since its peak decades ago, Kirsty maintains a place as a recognizable yet not overly common name that embodies Scottish heritage. Its friendly sound and manageable spelling make it accessible across English-speaking countries.

  11. Kristin

    • Origin:

      German and Norwegian variation of Christina

    • Meaning:

      "a Christian"

    • Description:

      A crystalline name that retains its loveliness far past its prime. Its biggest downside: Eternal confusion over spelling and pronunciation. Kristen? Kirsten? It can be so confusing that many parents today opt to bypass it.
  12. Kristine

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Christine

    • Description:

      Christine was one of the first megapopular C-to-K baby names, from Scandinavian variations such as Kristine and Kirsten to Kris, Kristy, and Kristy. While Kristine retains its krisply lovely sound, it's lost much of its kool.
  13. Christel

    • Description:

      Christel is a feminine name with Germanic origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Christina or Christine. Popular throughout Germany, Scandinavia, and the Netherlands, it represents a variation of the name derived from 'Christ.' The name conveys the meaning 'follower of Christ' or 'little Christian one' with its diminutive suffix. Christel experienced modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century but has remained relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. It offers a distinctive European alternative to the more familiar Christine or Christina while maintaining the same religious connection. The name has a delicate, melodious quality that combines traditional religious significance with a touch of continental European sophistication.
  14. Kirstin

    • Description:

      Kirstin is a feminine name of Scandinavian origin, representing a Norse variant of Christina, ultimately derived from the Greek word 'christianos' meaning 'follower of Christ.' Popular throughout Scandinavia and Scotland, Kirstin offers a distinctly northern European alternative to Christine or Kristin. The name reached modest popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s but has since declined in usage. In Scotland and Nordic countries, various spellings including Kirsten, Kiersten, and Kjersten maintain cultural significance. Kirstin combines traditional religious roots with a crisp, modern sound. The name conveys strength and clarity with its sharp consonants while maintaining feminine qualities. For parents, Kirstin offers familiar sounds with a touch of Scandinavian heritage and slightly unconventional spelling compared to the more common Kirsten variant.
  15. Christa

    • Origin:

      Short form of Christina

    • Description:

      Fading since the 1970s -- but still a lovely name.
  16. Kirsi

    • Origin:

      Hindi, Finnish diminutive of Kirstina and Kirsten

    • Meaning:

      "amaranth blossoms; Christian, frost"

    • Description:

      This attractive multicultural name is found in India and Finland, where it is also a word meaning "frost."
  17. Stine

    • Description:

      Stine is a feminine name primarily used in Scandinavian countries, particularly Denmark and Norway. It originated as a short form of Christine or Christina, which derives from the Greek word 'christos' meaning 'anointed one.' Compact and modern-sounding despite its traditional roots, Stine is pronounced 'STEE-nuh' in its native Scandinavian context. The name has been consistently used in Nordic countries for generations while remaining relatively unknown elsewhere, giving it a distinctive cultural identity. In recent decades, as Scandinavian naming practices have gained international attention, Stine has begun to be recognized beyond its regions of origin. The name combines brevity with a strong, clear sound that works well across language barriers despite its specific cultural associations.

  18. Krisztina

    • Description:

      Krisztina is the Hungarian variant of Christina, a feminine name of Greek origin meaning "follower of Christ" or "anointed one." This spelling reflects Hungarian phonetics and orthography, with the distinctive 'sz' combination representing the 'st' sound. Krisztina has been consistently popular in Hungary and among Hungarian diaspora communities, with notable bearers including Hungarian athletes and cultural figures. While maintaining the same essential meaning as Christina, Krisztina carries a strong cultural identity that connects bearers to Hungarian heritage. Outside Hungary, the name may require pronunciation clarification but provides a distinctive European flair.

  19. Krystyna

    • Description:

      Krystyna is a feminine name of Polish origin, representing the Polish form of Christina. The name derives from the Greek 'Christos,' meaning 'anointed one,' carrying Christian religious significance. The distinctive spelling with 'K' and 'y' reflects Polish orthography, while maintaining the recognizable connection to the more familiar Christina. Krystyna has been popular in Poland for centuries and remains in use among Polish-American families preserving their cultural heritage. The name combines a classic, timeless quality with an intriguing, somewhat exotic appearance to English speakers. Krystyna possesses a sophisticated elegance while clearly connecting to its Eastern European roots, making it an option for parents seeking a name with both cultural depth and distinctive character.

  20. Kirstie

    • Origin:

      Anglicization of Ciorstag, the Gaelic nickname for Christine, or short form of Kirsten

    • Description:

      Actress Kirstie Alley popularized this short form that's been off the popularity register for a decade.