Christian: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced KRISH-chuhn · 2 syllables
Christian means “follower of Christ”, from Latin.
From Middle English Cristien, from Old French chrestien, from Latin Christianus, from Ancient Greek (Khristianos), from (Khristos, “Christ, anointed [one]”) + Latin suffix -anus. The older form is Christen. Doublet of cretin. By surface analysis, Christ + -ian.
- Meaning
- follower of Christ
- Origin
- Latin
- Pronunciation
- KRISH-chuhn
- US rank (2025)
- #96
- US babies a year
- about 4,278 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1990
How popular is Christian?
Christian was the #96 name in the US in 2025, given to 3,668 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 54% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1990.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #96 |
| England & Wales | #233 |
| Scotland | #278 |
| Northern Ireland | #304 |
| Ireland | #335 |
| France | #631 |
| Norway | #130 |
| Canada | #197 |
| Australia | #146 |
How old are people named Christian?
Half of US adults named Christian are older than 29; most are between 19 and 55. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Christian
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Christian have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Christian
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Christian
What does the name Christian mean?
Christian means “follower of Christ”. It comes from Latin.
How do you pronounce Christian?
Christian is pronounced KRISH-chuhn.
How popular is the name Christian?
Christian was the #96 name in the US in 2025, given to 3,668 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 54% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1990.
How old are people named Christian?
Half of US adults named Christian are older than 29. Most are between 19 and 55.