Christian \ch-ris-tian, chr(i)-stian\ as a girl's name (also used as boy's name Christian), is pronounced KRIS-t'-ynn. It is of Latin origin, and the meaning of Christian is "follower of Christ". From Latin Christianus. Christ is from Greek Khristos, a translation of the Hebrew term "Messiah", meaning "anointed". Christian and Christiana were used for women in medieval times, but by the 18th century, Christina was the more common form. Spanish and Italian forms begin with Cr-.

Christian has 17 variant forms: Chris, Christiaan, Christiana, Christiane, Christianna, Christianne, Christina, Chrystian, Cristian, Cristiana, Cristianna, Cristianne, Karsten, Khristian, Kristian, Kristien and Kristienne.

For more information, see also the related name Christen.

Baby names that sound like Christian are Christiann and Christia.