How to say it
CHRIS · tian
ˈkrɪs.tʃən
Masculine
Christian
Follower of Christ
What it means
From Latin Christianus, 'follower of Christ,' itself from the Greek Christos ('anointed one'). The name became common across medieval Christian Europe and stayed that way.
Christian comes from the Latin Christianus, 'follower of Christ.' The early use was as a religious-identity term (the first followers of Jesus were called Christians in Antioch, per Acts 11:26); the name proper picked up later when the term became established. Across medieval Scandinavia and Germany, Christian was a royal name (the kings of Denmark in particular have alternated between Christian and Frederick for centuries). In the US the name peaked in the 1990s and is sliding gently. Hans Christian Andersen is the indelible literary anchor. Chris is the universal short.
How to spell Christian
The standard spelling is Christian. Common variants include Cristian, Kristian, Christer, but Christian is the most widely used form.
Popularity over time
peaked at #21 in 2006, currently #96 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–2025. Reviewed July 2026. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Nickname
Chris is the universal short and shared with Christopher. Some Christians keep the full form to distinguish.
Who's worn it
Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.
- Hans Christian Andersen Danish author of fairy tales (The Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid)
- Christian Dior French fashion designer, founder of the House of Dior
- Christian Bale Welsh-English actor, American Psycho and The Dark Knight
Spelling variants
- Cristian
- Kristian
- Christer
Names with the same feeling
See Christian from another angle
By meaning
By style
Common questions
- What does the name Christian mean?
- From Latin Christianus, 'follower of Christ,' itself from the Greek Christos ('anointed one'). The name became common across medieval Christian Europe and stayed that way.
- What does Christian mean in Greek?
- In Greek, Christian means "Follower of Christ." Christian comes from the Latin Christianus, 'follower of Christ.' The early use was as a religious-identity term (the first followers of Jesus were called Christians in Antioch, per Acts 11:26); the name proper picked up later when the term became established. Across medieval Scandinavia and Germany, Christian was a royal name (the kings of Denmark in particular have alternated between Christian and Frederick for centuries). In the US the name peaked in the 1990s and is sliding gently. Hans Christian Andersen is the indelible literary anchor. Chris is the universal short.
- How do you pronounce Christian?
- Christian is pronounced ˈkrɪs.tʃən. Say it as CHRIS-tian, with the stress on the "chris" syllable.
- How do you spell Christian?
- The standard spelling is Christian. Common spelling variants include Cristian, Kristian, Christer.
- Is Christian a boy or girl name?
- Christian is traditionally a masculine name.
- How popular is the name Christian?
- Christian ranked #96 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.