International Variations of Christina
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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- Christina
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"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.
- Tina
Origin:
Diminutive of Christina et alDescription:
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).
- Christine
Origin:
French variation of ChristinaMeaning:
"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.
- Kristina
Origin:
Scandinavian variation of ChristinaMeaning:
"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.
- Kristin
Origin:
German and Norwegian variation of ChristinaMeaning:
"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.
- Kia
Origin:
AfricanMeaning:
"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.
- Kirsten
Origin:
Scandinavian variation of ChristineDescription:
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.
- Krista
Origin:
Czech variation of ChristinaDescription:
Krista may be past its peak -- along with all similar C-starting sisters and their K variations -- yet it's still a pretty name.
- Cristina
Origin:
Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Catalan, and Romanian variation of Christina, GreekMeaning:
"a Christian"Description:
Cristina is one case where the streamlined version feels more alluring. Cristina is found more often than Christina in many European countries and cultures, including Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking Latin and South America.
- Kirsi
Origin:
Hindi, Finnish diminutive of Kirstina and KirstenMeaning:
"amaranth blossoms; Christian, frost"Description:
This attractive multicultural name is found in India and Finland, where it is also a word meaning "frost."
- 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.
- Kristen
Origin:
Danish and Norwegian variation of ChristineMeaning:
"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.
- Christa
Origin:
Short form of ChristinaDescription:
Fading since the 1970s -- but still a lovely name.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cristin
Description:
Cristin is a feminine name that serves as a variant spelling of Kristen or Kristin, which themselves derive from Christian, ultimately coming from the Latin "Christianus" meaning "a follower of Christ." This particular spelling offers a softer, more streamlined appearance while maintaining the same pronunciation as Kristin. The name enjoyed moderate popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s but has become less common in recent decades. Cristin carries religious connotations for those who emphasize its Christian roots, though many parents choose it simply for its pleasant sound and familiar yet slightly distinctive quality. The name has an elegant simplicity that works well across cultures, aging gracefully as trends change.
- Kristia
Description:
Kristia is a feminine name that likely developed as a variation of Christina or Kristina, all deriving from the Greek word 'christos' meaning 'anointed.' This lyrical name has a gentle yet distinctive quality, blending familiarity with uniqueness. Kristia appears across several cultures, including Slavic, Nordic, and Greek communities, though with varying frequencies. The name maintains the spiritual associations of its root while offering a less common alternative to more popular Christian-derived names. Kristia has never reached widespread popularity in English-speaking countries but enjoys modest usage, appealing to parents seeking a name that feels both international and accessible. Its soft sound and religious undertones give it both elegance and substance.
- Kirsikka
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"cherry"Description:
As fruit names go, Cherry is one of the more usable options in English, and the same can be said for Kirsikka, its Finnish counterpart. Sweet and vibrant, Kirsikka was given to more than 1200 girls in Finland in a recent year, while its charming diminutive, Kirsi ranked in the Top 100.
- Kolina
Description:
Kolina is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Colina, which has Scottish Gaelic roots meaning "young maiden" or "girl." Alternatively, it could be related to Nicole or Nikolina, feminine forms of Nicholas, meaning "victory of the people." The distinctive 'K' spelling gives the name a modern, unique quality. Kolina has never been among the most popular names but appeals to parents seeking a melodic, feminine name with an uncommon flair. The name carries a gentle, lyrical quality with its soft consonants and vowel ending, typical of feminine names across many cultures. Kolina remains relatively rare, giving it a distinctive quality for those who bear it.
- Krysia
Origin:
Polish, diminutive of KrystynaMeaning:
"Chistian"Description:
A distinctive Polish short form of Krystyna, ultimately deriving from Christian, Krysia has a similar feel to Sasha, but with a bit of kick from the K sounds.