Christian is a popular First Name and Surname , in the West , especially in Northern Europe . The use of ''Christian'' as a personal name derives from its use to describe followers of Christianity. Today in Europe—though not the United States—it is almost exclusively used as a male name, but in the 17th and 18th centuries it was a popular female first name in Scotland . Female versions of the name include Christine , Christina , Kristen , Kristin , and Kirsten . Holders of the name ''Christian'' may go by the Nicknames or shortened forms " Chris ," " Chrissy " or "Kissa" (in Norwegian ).
