The name Kiersten is a feminine given name derived from the English surname Kiersten, which is a variant of the Irish surname Kieran. The name Kieran itself is derived from the Irish Gaelic word "ciar," meaning "black" or "dark-featured."

The name Kiersten is believed to have originated in Ireland during the Middle Ages, where it was primarily used as a masculine name. It gained popularity as a feminine name in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, during the 20th century.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kiersten can be found in the Annals of Ulster, an ancient Irish chronicle dating back to the 15th century. The text mentions a man named Kieran who was a famous Irish saint and abbot of Clonmacnoise in the 6th century.

In the realm of literature, the name Kiersten appears in several works, including the novel "The Cider House Rules" by John Irving, published in 1985. In the book, one of the characters is named Kiersten Wetheral.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Kiersten. One of the earliest was Kiersten Holm (born around 1290), a Norwegian noble and landowner who played a significant role in the political events of her time.

Another notable Kiersten was Kiersten Schiøler (1497-1567), a Danish Renaissance scholar and humanist who made significant contributions to the study of ancient Greek and Latin literature.

In more recent times, Kiersten Warren (born 1976) is an American actress known for her roles in television series such as "Desperate Housewives" and "Midnight, Texas."

Kiersten Hathcock (born 1988) is a former American gymnast who competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, where she won a silver medal as part of the U.S. women's gymnastics team.

Kiersten Muir (born 1993) is a Canadian actress and singer who has appeared in several television shows and movies, including the Nickelodeon series "The Other Kingdom."