The name Tina is a diminutive form of the feminine name Christina, which is derived from the Greek name Christos, meaning "anointed one" or "Christ." Christina was a popular name among early Christians, and its diminutive form, Tina, emerged in medieval Europe.

The earliest recorded use of the name Tina dates back to the 13th century in Italy, where it was commonly used as a shortened version of names like Caterina or Martina. In the 16th century, Tina became a standalone name in its own right, particularly in Germany and other Germanic-speaking regions.

One of the earliest notable bearers of the name Tina was Tina Strozzi (1535-1592), an Italian poet and writer from Florence. During the Renaissance, the name gained popularity among the upper classes and nobility in Italy.

In the 17th century, the name Tina appeared in several literary works, including the play "The Taming of the Shrew" by William Shakespeare, where one of the characters is named Tina.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Tina. One of the most famous was Tina Modotti (1896-1942), an Italian-born photographer and revolutionary who was active in Mexico during the early 20th century.

Another well-known Tina was Tina Turner (born 1939), the American singer and actress who rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s with hits like "Proud Mary" and "What's Love Got to Do with It."

In the world of sports, Tina Maze (born 1983) is a Slovenian former World Cup alpine ski racer and Olympic gold medalist. Tina Fey (born 1970) is an American comedian, writer, and actress known for her work on shows like "Saturday Night Live" and "30 Rock."

Tina Modotti, Tina Turner, Tina Maze, and Tina Fey are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Tina, reflecting its enduring popularity across various cultures and time periods.