Find out how popular the first name Krista has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Krista by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Krista is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Krista being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 49 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Krista.

The history of the first name Krista

The name Krista is a feminine given name derived from the Greek word "Christos," meaning "anointed one" or "messiah." It is a variant of the name Christina, which has its roots in Christianity. The name gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in Scandinavian countries and parts of Europe.

Krista has been found in various historical records and literary works throughout the centuries. In the Middle Ages, it appeared in religious texts and chronicles, often referring to female Christians or followers of the faith. One of the earliest recorded uses of the name was in a 12th-century German manuscript, where a woman named Krista was mentioned as a devout believer.

Over the centuries, several notable individuals have borne the name Krista. One of the most famous was Krista von Buren (c. 1415-1468), a German nun and mystic who wrote extensively about her spiritual experiences and visions. Another prominent figure was Krista Nilsson (1876-1950), a Swedish opera singer renowned for her performances in the works of Richard Wagner and other composers.

In the realm of literature, the name Krista has been used for fictional characters as well. One example is Krista Mundt, a character in the novel "The Tin Drum" by Günter Grass, which won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1999. The book, set in the early 20th century, explores themes of identity and resistance during the rise of Nazism in Germany.

Other notable individuals named Krista include Krista Tippett (born 1960), an American journalist and author known for her work on religion and ethics, and Krista Vernoff (born 1977), an American screenwriter and producer best known for her work on the television series "Grey's Anatomy."

While the name Krista has its roots in Christianity and has been present throughout history, it has also gained popularity as a secular name in modern times, appreciated for its simple and elegant sound.

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

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

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