The given name Christi is derived from the Greek word "Christos," which means "anointed one" or "the Messiah." This name has its roots in Christianity and has been in use since ancient times. It is a feminine form of the name "Christian," which is derived from the same Greek word.

The name Christi can be traced back to the early days of Christianity, when it was used to refer to followers of Christ or those who were dedicated to the Christian faith. In the early centuries of the Christian era, the name became more popular and was adopted by many individuals as a way to express their religious beliefs.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Christi can be found in the writings of the early Christian theologian and philosopher, Origen of Alexandria (c. 184-253 AD). He mentioned a woman named Christi who was a member of the Christian community in Alexandria.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Christi. One of the most famous was Christi of Avila (1515-1582), a Spanish Roman Catholic nun who was a prominent figure in the Counter-Reformation and is revered as a Doctor of the Church.

Another notable figure was Christi of Sweden (1626-1689), a Swedish princess and abbess who played a significant role in the cultural and religious life of 17th-century Sweden.

The name Christi was also borne by Christi Maria Rennefalk (1668-1728), a Swedish author and poet who is considered one of the pioneers of Swedish feminist literature.

In the 19th century, Christi Nilsson (1843-1921) was a renowned Swedish operatic soprano who achieved international fame for her performances in the operas of composers such as Giuseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner.

More recently, Christi Yamaguchi (born 1971) is an American figure skater and Olympic gold medalist who has also become a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist.

While the name Christi has its roots in Christianity, it has been adopted by individuals of various faiths and cultures throughout history, reflecting its enduring appeal and the cross-cultural influence of Christian tradition.