Surname Kerstin - Meaning and Origin
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Kerstin: What does the surname Kerstin mean?
The surname Kerstin is of Germanic and Scandinavian origin. The name Kerstin is derived from the Old Norse name “Kerst,” which means “Christmass.” This name has been suggested to denote a person born around Christmastime. It is thought to have been considered a lucky name for a newborn in ancient times.
The name Kerstin is often found in German, Swedish, and Danish cultures, although it is not as common in other cultures. It is considered a particularly feminine name in Scandinavian countries as it is typically given to girls. Due to the name’s Northern European origin, it is often found as a middle name or surname across many countries in Europe.
In modern times, the name Kerstin can be seen as an independent name or given to a newborn as a tribute to the Scandinavian roots of the individual’s family. The name is an enduring feminist symbol, associated with winter and Christmas, that speaks to the power of rebirth and renewal. In addition to its religious connotations, the name Kerstin may be associated with masculine energy, which makes it an interesting choice for a modern girl’s name. The bearer of the name is sure to experience a deep connection to their stagnant family roots and heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisKerstin: Where does the name Kerstin come from?
The last name Kerstin is primarily found throughout the Scandinavian countries of Europe. It is most commonly seen in Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark. It appears to be less prevalent in the surrounding countries of Germany, Latvia, and Estonia.
The name Kerstin is believed to have originated from the Latin given name Christinus, which means "belonging to Christ", possibly referring to it first appearing in the Middle Ages as a given name for boys and later, girls. Over time, the spelling shifted and eventually becamespecifically a feminine name.
In Sweden, the last name Kerstin has been found in records dating back as far as the 16th century. The name has also been found in Norwegian and Danish records since the 17th century. In Estonia, the name is much less common, only appearing in records since the mid-1800s.
Today, Kerstin is likely still most abundant in the Scandinavian area of Europe. Researchers have noted that there are Burnaby-Kerstins in Germany, however, these examples of the name likely stem from immigrants from the Scandinavian countries. The Scandinavian countries are still the main sources of the bearer of the name and it is not as common in other parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Kerstin
Kerstin is a German name derived from the given name Christian, and has a variety of spellings, derivatives, and surnames around the world. In Germany and Scandinavia, Kerstin is an uncommon given name, and the surname Kerstin there can be found both with and without the umlaut, Kӕrstin.
In the United States and the United Kingdom, Kerstin is not widely used as a given name, and the surname Kerstin is found almost exclusively with the umlaut. Variations of Kerstin commonly seen in the United States and United Kingdom include Kӕrsten, Kersten, Kerstien, Kerstine, Kerston, Kerstyn, and Kerstynn.
In the Netherlands, Kerstin can be transformed into Kerstijn, and variations including Kersteijn, Kersteyn, and Kӕrsteijn are not uncommon.
In Hungary, Kerstin is transformed into Keresztin, and the variations Krisztin, Keresztina and Krisztina are also found.
In Finland, Kerstin is transformed into Kristiina, and variations Kristin and Kristina are also found.
In Sweden, Kerstin is transformed into Kristin, and variations Kristina, Kristine, and Kristinne are also found.
In Norway, Kerstin is transformed into Kristin, and variations Kristine, Kristina, Kristena, and Kristine are also found.
In Spain and Portugal, a variant of the name is Cristina.
In Poland, Kerstin can be transformed into Krystyna, and variations Kerstyna, Krystynka, Krystina, and Krystynne are also commonly found.
Finally, in Italy and Slovenia, Kerstin is transformed into Cristina, and variations Cristine, Cristianne, and Cristina are found.
Famous people with the name Kerstin
- Sanna Annukka Kerstin Johnson: Illustrator, surface designer and printmaker.
- Corinne Kerstin Neuendorff: German actress.
- Ulf Kerstin: Swedish painter and printmaker.
- Benny Kerstin: Swedish musician and concert promoter.
- Nils Kerstin: Swedish cinematographer.
- Ylva Glans Kerstin: Swedish physicist and environmental scientist.
- William Kerstin: American actor and director.
- Gudrun Kerstin: German photographer and visual artist.
- Therese Kerstin: Swedish singer and composer.
- Rolf Kerstin: Swedish actor.
- Charlotte Kerstin: Swedish fashion designer.
- Riikka Kerstin: Finnish animated short film director.
- Vibeke Kerstin: Norwegian musician and songwriter.