Christina is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It comes from the masculine name Christian, which itself derives from the Late Latin word "Christianus," meaning "follower of Christ." The name was originally used to refer to early Christians, but it eventually became popular as a given name for both boys and girls in various cultures around the world.
The name Christina has been used since the Middle Ages. It gained popularity during the Renaissance period when it was often given to daughters of noble families in Europe. Some notable historical figures with this name include Christina, Queen of Sweden (1626-1689), who was a prominent political figure and writer; Christina, Grand Duchess of Russia (1750-1774), wife of Paul I of Russia; and Christina Rossetti (1830-1894), an English poet known for her narrative poems and devotional prose.
In literature, the name Christina has been used by several authors to create memorable characters. Examples include Christina Daisy Hilton in Truman Capote's novella "Breakfast at Tiffany's," Christina Browning in Gillian Flynn's novel "Gone Girl," and Christina Fitzsimmons in Elizabeth George's Inspector Lynley mystery series.
The popularity of the name Christina has varied over time and by region. In the United States, it was particularly popular during the mid-20th century, peaking at number 48 in 1956. Today, it remains a relatively common name, ranking around number 400 for girls born in recent years.
In summary, Christina is a feminine given name of Latin origin that means "follower of Christ." It has been used since the Middle Ages and gained popularity during the Renaissance period. Notable historical figures with this name include Queen Christina of Sweden and Christina Rossetti. Additionally, Christina has appeared as a character in various works of literature throughout history.
Sources:
* Behind the Name: Christina (https://www.behindthename.com/name/christina)
* The Baby Name Wizard: Christina (http://www.babynamewizard.com/names/christina)
* Social Security Administration: Popular Names Over Time (https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/)
* Encyclopedia Britannica: Christina, Queen of Sweden (https://www.britannica.com/biography/Christina-Queen-of-Sweden)
* Biography.com: Christina Rossetti (https://www.biography.com/writer/christina-rossetti)
The name Christina has had a fluctuating popularity over the years in the United States. From 1929 to 1948, there were only six and five births respectively, indicating that it was not widely used during this period.
However, starting from the late 1950s, there was a noticeable increase in its usage. Between 1957 and 1965, there were at least five births each year, with the number peaking at nineteen in 1966 and twenty-two in 1967.
The name Christina reached its peak popularity between 1968 and 1984. During these years, the number of annual births ranged from thirty-one to eighty-seven, showing that it was a widely preferred choice among parents during this time.
However, like many names, Christina's popularity began to decline in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Between 1989 and 1995, the number of annual births ranged from fifty-nine to twenty, indicating that it was no longer as popular among parents.
This trend continued into the 21st century, with only six to ten births each year between 2000 and 2012. Despite this decline in popularity, Christina remains a classic and timeless name with a rich history of usage throughout the years in the United States.