The name Kirsten is of Danish origin, derived from the ancient Norse name Kristin, which means "a Christian" or "follower of Christ." The name was popular in Scandinavia during the Middle Ages, particularly in Denmark and Norway.

The earliest recorded use of the name Kirsten dates back to the 12th century, when it appeared in Danish historical records. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Kirsten Svendsdatter, a Danish noblewoman who lived in the 13th century.

In the 16th century, the name gained popularity in Germany, where it was spelled as "Kirsten" or "Kersten." One notable bearer of the name from this period was Kirsten Munk, a Danish noblewoman who was the mother of King Christian IV of Denmark.

During the Protestant Reformation, the name Kirsten became associated with the Lutheran faith, as many Lutherans chose to give their children names with Christian meanings. This further contributed to the name's popularity in Scandinavia and parts of northern Europe.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Kirsten. Some examples include Kirsten Flagstad (1895-1962), a renowned Norwegian opera singer; Kirsten Dunst (born 1982), an American actress known for her roles in films like "Spider-Man" and "Interview with the Vampire"; and Kirsten Gillibrand (born 1966), an American politician and former United States Senator from New York.

Other famous Kirstens include Kirsten Olesen (1913-1989), a Danish athlete and Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics, and Kirsten Haglund (born 1992), an American figure skater and Olympian.

While the name Kirsten has its roots in Danish and Scandinavian culture, it has become popular in various parts of the world, particularly in English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.