Christian: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

By Tara Gunn

Updated June 10, 2024

Table of contents

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Christian mean and stand for as a girl's name?

Meaning:

Latin: Follower of Christ
Greek: Anointed one

Gender: Unisex

Syllables: 3

Pronunciation: The name Christian is pronounced kris-tee-uhn

The name Christian has its roots in Latin, where it means "follower of Christ," and in Greek where it denotes "anointed one." It is derived from the word Christos, which is a translation of the Hebrew Messiah, meaning "anointed." Though traditionally used more frequently for boys, this name has gained popularity as a unisex option, symbolising faith and devotion across genders.

Girl name variations

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Christian mean and stand for as a boy's name?

Meaning:

Latin: Follower of Christ
Greek: Anointed one

Gender: Male

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Christian is pronounced kris-chun

The name Christian traces its origins to the Latin word Christianus, which means "follower of Christ" or "anointed." It became popular due to its strong religious connotations and has been carried by numerous saints and influential figures throughout history. During the Middle Ages, Christian was used mostly for females and didn't gain popularity for boys until the 17th century. This name has a strong presence in various cultures and is often chosen for its esteemed historical and spiritual significance.

Boy name variations

How Popular Is The Name Christian

Family name origins & meanings

English, German, and French: from the personal name Christian, a vernacular form of Latin Christianus "follower of Christ" (see Christ). This personal name was introduced into England following the Norman conquest, especially by Breton settlers. It was also used in the same form as a female name.

Famous people with this first name

Christian Bale

Christian Slater

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Christian in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Christian Grey from Fifty Shades of Grey - A wealthy young entrepreneur with a penchant for BDSM, who falls in love with writer Anastasia Steele.
Christian Shephard from Lost - A surgeon and the father of main character Jack Shephard, his mysterious life and death play significant roles in the show's plot.
Christian from Moulin Rouge! - A young, idealistic writer who falls in love with the star courtesan at the Moulin Rouge, Satine.
Christian from Clueless - A stylish and sophisticated new student at Beverly Hills High School who catches the attention of Cher Horowitz.
Christian Thompson from The Devil Wears Prada - A charismatic and influential writer who becomes a romantic interest for the protagonist, Andy Sachs.

Popularity of the Name Christian

According to Social Security Administration data, the name Christian has been consistently popular over the years. In 2023, it ranked as the 67th most popular name in the United States for boys.

During the Middle Ages, Christian was a girls name until being made into a popular boys name with John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. Christian has further historical significance, often associated with prominent figures such as Christian Dior, the renowned French fashion designer, and Christian Bale, an acclaimed actor known for his roles in The Dark Knight trilogy and American Psycho. Additionally, the name Christian appears in various works of fiction, including the character Christian Grey from the popular book series Fifty Shades of Grey and Christian Shephard from the television series Lost. The name's timeless appeal continues to make it a favorite among parents.