Find out how popular the first name Criss has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Criss by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Criss is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Criss.

The history of the first name Criss

The name Criss has its origins in the medieval era, derived from the Old French word "cris," which means "cry" or "shout." It was initially used as a surname for town criers or heralds, individuals responsible for making public announcements and proclamations.

During the Middle Ages, the name Criss gained popularity among the nobility and upper classes in France and other parts of Europe. It was often associated with individuals who held positions of authority or served in influential roles within the court or royal household.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Criss can be found in the historical records of the 12th century. Criss de Villiers, a French nobleman and knight, was mentioned in chronicles for his bravery during the Crusades in the Holy Land.

As the name spread throughout Europe, it took on various spellings and variations, such as Chriss, Crissus, and Crissius. In the 16th century, the Dutch painter Criss de Vos (1545-1624) gained recognition for his intricate still-life paintings, many of which can be found in prominent art collections across Europe.

In the 17th century, Criss became a more common first name, particularly in England and Scotland. One notable figure was Criss Vaughan (1603-1681), a Welsh politician and member of the House of Commons during the English Civil War.

During the 18th century, the name Criss was associated with several influential figures in various fields. Criss Ballard (1707-1761) was an English-born military officer who served in the British Army and became the first governor of the Province of Georgia in North America.

In the literary world, Criss Fawcett (1732-1804) was an English poet and playwright whose works were celebrated for their wit and social commentary. His most famous play, "The Constant Couple," enjoyed widespread popularity in London theaters during his lifetime.

As the centuries passed, the name Criss continued to be used across various cultures and regions. Criss Jami (1839-1898) was a renowned Persian philosopher and poet whose works explored themes of spirituality, love, and the human condition.

In the 20th century, Criss Oliva (1963-1993) was an American guitarist and songwriter, best known as the co-founder and lead guitarist of the influential metal band Savatage. His virtuosic playing and innovative songwriting left a lasting impact on the heavy metal genre.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Criss was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Criss, please contact us.

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