Kristel is a unique and captivating feminine given name that originates from the Dutch language. It is derived from the Middle Dutch name "Christoffel," which was a variant of the name "Christopher." The name "Christoffel" ultimately comes from the Greek name "Christophoros," meaning "bearer of Christ."
The name Kristel has been popular in various countries, particularly in the Netherlands and Belgium. It gained significant recognition during the late 20th century when it was used by many families as a modern alternative to more traditional names like Christine or Christina.
In terms of its historical usage, Kristel has appeared in literature and popular culture throughout the years. One notable example is the character Kristel Hartdegen from the German soap opera "Verbotene Liebe," which aired from 1995 to 2007.
Overall, Kristel is a distinctive and charming name with a rich history dating back centuries. Its unique sound and attractive origin make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a memorable name for their daughter.
The name Kristel has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States, with peaks and valleys indicating shifting tastes in naming babies.
In the early 1950s, Kristel was not particularly common, with only six births recorded in 1952. However, it began to gain traction in the mid-1960s, with a steady increase from 22 births in 1964 to 36 births in 1969.
The name reached its peak popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s. In 1977, there were 83 Kristel babies born, followed by a remarkable high of 145 births in 1982. This period marked a significant phase where Kristel was among the more favored names for baby girls.
However, like many other names, Kristel's popularity began to decline after the early 1980s. By the mid-1990s, it had fallen significantly, with only 26 births recorded in 1994 and 21 births in 1995.
Since then, the name has maintained a steady but low level of popularity. In recent years, it has shown signs of resurgence, with 45 births recorded in 2022 and 66 births in 2023, indicating that Kristel may be regaining favor among parents once again.
Overall, from 1952 to 2023, a total of 2912 babies named Kristel were born in the United States. This figure provides an interesting snapshot into the changing trends of baby naming over several decades.