All about the name CHRISTINE

Meaning, origin, history.

Christine is a female given name of Latin origin, derived from the Latin word "christus," which means "anointed" or "follower of Christ." The name was popularized during the Middle Ages when Christianity spread throughout Europe.

The name Christine has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous is Saint Christine, a Christian martyr who was killed for her faith in 304 AD during the Roman Empire's persecution of Christians. She is revered as a saint by both the Catholic and Orthodox churches, and her feast day is celebrated on July 24th.

Another notable figure with the name Christine is Christine de Pizan (1365-1430), an Italian-born French writer who was one of the first women to earn a living through writing. She wrote extensively on topics such as education, politics, and feminism, and her work had a significant impact on humanist thought during the Renaissance.

Today, Christine remains a popular given name for girls in many English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. It has also been used as a surname throughout history, often derived from the feminine form of Christopher.

In literature and popular culture, Christine has been featured prominently in several works, including "Christine" by Stephen King, a novel about a possessed 1958 Plymouth Fury automobile. Additionally, Christine is the name of the protagonist in George Orwell's dystopian novel "1984," who plays a significant role in Winston Smith's life.

Overall, Christine is a name with a rich history and cultural significance that has been passed down through generations. Its Latin origins give it a classic and timeless feel, while its association with notable historical figures adds to its enduring appeal.

Popularity of the name CHRISTINE since 1880.

Number of births per year since 1880.

The name Christine has been a popular choice for parents in the United States over the years, with fluctuations in its popularity reflected in the statistics of births year by year.

In the late 19th century, the number of babies named Christine was relatively low, with fewer than 200 births per year between 1880 and 1890. However, the early 20th century saw a significant increase in the popularity of the name, with over 1,000 births each year from 1910 onwards.

The peak of Christine's popularity came in the mid-20th century, during which time it was one of the most common names for girls. Between 1950 and 1968, there were more than 10,000 births each year with the name Christine, reaching a high point of over 16,000 births in 1967.

However, like many other traditional names, Christine's popularity began to decline in the late 20th century. Between 1980 and 2023, the number of babies named Christine decreased significantly, from over 7,000 births per year to fewer than 500.

Despite this decline in popularity, Christine remains a name with historical significance in the United States, having been given to nearly 600,000 girls over the past century and a half. It is still chosen by some parents today who appreciate its classic sound and timeless appeal.