Kristin is a feminine given name of Scandinavian origin, derived from the Old Norse name Kristín. It is a variant of the Greek name Χριστίνη (Christínē), which means "a Christian woman" or "follower of Christ." The name gained popularity during the Middle Ages, particularly in the Nordic countries.

The name Kristin has been in use since the Viking Age, with some of the earliest recorded examples dating back to the 12th century. One of the first known bearers of the name was Kristin Sigurdsdotter, a Norwegian noblewoman who lived in the late 12th century. She was the daughter of Sigurd Jarlsson and was married to Erling Skakke, a powerful Norwegian chieftain.

In the 13th century, Saint Kristin or Christina the Astonishing (1150-1224) was a Belgian saint known for her extreme asceticism and unusual behavior. She was believed to have been in a state of suspended animation for several years and was revered for her devotion to Christ.

Another notable figure was Kristin Lavransdotter (1265-1349), a Norwegian woman who was the subject of the historical novels "Kristin Lavransdatter" by Sigrid Undset. Undset won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1928 for her depiction of life in medieval Scandinavia through the character of Kristin.

In the 16th century, Kristin Münstermann (1508-1589) was a German Protestant reformer and writer who advocated for the education of women and the right of women to read the Bible. She was a prominent figure in the Reformation movement and wrote several influential works.

In more recent history, Kristin Linklater (1936-2020) was a renowned Scottish actress and voice coach who developed the Linklater method of vocal training for actors. Her techniques have been widely adopted in theater programs around the world.