The name Christen is derived from the Greek word "Christos", meaning "anointed one" or "the anointed". It is a reference to Jesus Christ, who was believed to be the Messiah or the anointed one of God in Christian tradition. The name is closely associated with Christianity and has its origins in the early days of the religion.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Christen can be found in the New Testament of the Bible. In the Gospel of John, the name "Christ" is used to refer to Jesus numerous times. The name was adopted by early Christians as a way to identify themselves as followers of Christ.

Throughout the medieval period, the name Christen became popular in various European countries, particularly those with strong Christian traditions. In England, the name Christen was sometimes used as a variant of the name Christian, which was more commonly used.

One notable historical figure with the name Christen was Christen Pedersen (1480-1554), a Danish humanist scholar and Protestant reformer. He played a significant role in the Reformation in Denmark and translated the New Testament into Danish.

Another famous bearer of the name was Christen Sørensen Longberg (1562-1647), a Norwegian farmer and folk hero. He is known for leading a peasant uprising against the Danish authorities in Norway, protesting the harsh treatment and taxation of the local population.

In the 17th century, Christen Friis Rottbøll (1675-1758) was a Danish jurist and politician who served as the Mayor of Copenhagen and played a influential role in the city's governance.

Moving to the 19th century, Christen Thomesen Bravein (1839-1923) was a Norwegian painter and artist known for his landscape paintings depicting Norwegian scenery.

In more recent history, Christen Peder Christensen (1876-1950) was a Danish botanist and plant collector who made significant contributions to the study of South American flora, particularly in Bolivia and Peru.

While the name Christen has its roots in Christianity and the Bible, it has been used across various cultures and regions over the centuries. The name has evolved and adapted to different linguistic and cultural contexts, but its association with the Christian faith remains strong.