Find out how popular the first name Kerstin has been for the last 48 years (from 1974 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kerstin by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Kerstin is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kerstin.

The history of the first name Kerstin

The name Kerstin is a feminine given name of Swedish origin, derived from the ancient Germanic root "Kristan" or "Christen," meaning "Christian" or "follower of Christ." This name has been in use since the early medieval period, when Christianity began to spread across Scandinavia.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Kerstin can be traced back to the 12th century in Sweden. During this time, many Scandinavian names were influenced by the rise of Christianity, and names like Kerstin became popular as a way to honor the new faith.

One of the earliest known historical figures to bear the name Kerstin was Kerstin Gyllenstierna (1518-1590), a Swedish noblewoman and landowner who played a significant role in the Swedish Reformation. She was a strong supporter of the Protestant movement and worked to promote the teachings of Martin Luther in Sweden.

Another notable Kerstin in history was Kerstin Hesselgren (1841-1907), a Swedish painter and illustrator known for her landscapes and portraits. She was one of the first female artists in Sweden to gain widespread recognition and is considered a pioneer in the Swedish art world.

In the realm of literature, Kerstin Ekman (born 1933) is a renowned Swedish author and playwright. Her works often explore themes of feminism, social justice, and the relationship between humans and nature. She has received numerous literary awards, including the August Prize and the Nordic Council's Literature Prize.

Moving to the field of science, Kerstin Lindquist (1918-2018) was a Swedish geophysicist who made significant contributions to the study of the Earth's magnetic field. She was among the first women to be appointed as a professor at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm.

Lastly, Kerstin Gennburg (born 1939) is a Swedish diplomat and former Director-General of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). She has been actively involved in promoting sustainable development and gender equality in international development efforts.

While the name Kerstin has its roots in Swedish culture, it has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, particularly in Scandinavian countries and regions with Swedish influence. The name continues to be a popular choice for parents seeking a name with a rich historical and cultural significance.

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 Kerstin was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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