Find out how popular the first name Kjerstin has been for the last 43 years (from 1976 to 2018) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kjerstin by gender

Based on the last 43 years of data, Kjerstin is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2018, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kjerstin.

The history of the first name Kjerstin

The name Kjerstin originates from the Old Norse language, which was spoken by Scandinavian people during the Viking Age, between the 8th and 11th centuries. It is a feminine form of the masculine name Kjartan, which is derived from the Old Norse words "kjör" meaning "choice" and "standa" meaning "to stand". Together, the name Kjartan signifies "the chosen one" or "the elect".

Kjerstin is believed to have first appeared in Iceland, where the Norse settlers brought their language and names. The Icelandic Book of Settlements, a medieval manuscript detailing the settlement of Iceland, mentions individuals with the name Kjartan, indicating its early use in the region.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kjerstin appears in the Icelandic Sagas, a collection of narratives that chronicle the lives and adventures of prominent Icelanders during the Viking Age and the early Middle Ages. The Laxdæla Saga, written in the 13th century, features a character named Kjartansson, a diminutive form of Kjartan.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Kjerstin. One of the earliest was Kjerstin Jacobsdotter (c. 1475-1544), a Swedish noblewoman and landowner from the Natt och Dag family. Another prominent figure was Kjerstin Sture (1492-1585), a Swedish noble and politician who played a significant role in the Swedish Reformation.

In the 17th century, Kjerstin Björnsdotter (1621-1688) was a Swedish merchant and shipowner from Gothenburg, known for her business acumen and wealth. A century later, Kjerstin Karin Lampa (1788-1838) was a Swedish educator and writer who founded one of the first schools for girls in Stockholm.

In more recent times, Kjerstin Dellert (1925-2018) was a Swedish actress and singer who appeared in numerous films and stage productions throughout her career, spanning over six decades.

These are just a few examples of the individuals who have carried the name Kjerstin throughout history, a name with deep roots in the Norse culture and language, reflecting the rich heritage of Scandinavian naming traditions.

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

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

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