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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. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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."
  10. Cristina

    • Origin:

      Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Catalan, and Romanian variation of Christina

    • Description:

      Cristina is one case where the streamlined version feels more alluring.
  11. Krista

    • Origin:

      Czech variation of Christina

    • Description:

      Krista may be past its peak -- along with all similar C-starting sisters and their K variations -- yet it's still a pretty name.
  12. Christa

    • Origin:

      Short form of Christina

    • Description:

      Fading since the 1970s -- but still a lovely name.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.

  15. 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.
  16. 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.

  17. Kirsikka

    • Origin:

      Finnish

    • Meaning:

      "cherry"

    • Description:

      If you're looking for a unique name for your baby girl, this intriguing choice certainly qualifies. It was given to no baby girls in the US in 2021.
  18. 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.
  19. Krysta

    • Description:

      Krysta is a feminine name that serves as a variant of Krista or Christina, ultimately derived from the Greek word 'Christos' meaning 'anointed one.' This sleeker, more modern spelling gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, offering a streamlined alternative to the more traditional forms. The name maintains its connection to Christian heritage while presenting a contemporary edge with the 'y' spelling. Krysta peaked in the United States during the 1980s but has since become less common, giving it a distinctive quality today. The name conveys strength and clarity with its crisp consonant sounds, while still maintaining a feminine character. Those named Krysta often appreciate its recognizable yet distinctive quality.
  20. 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.