Christian

Christian derives from the Latin Christianus, meaning "follower of Christ," which itself traces back to the Greek Christos, meaning "anointed one," a translation of the Hebrew Mashiach (Messiah). The name came into widespread use across Europe following the spread of Christianity and was borne by numerous kings of Denmark and Norway, helping to establish it as a royal name in Scandinavia. It has been used consistently throughout the Western world for centuries and gained literary fame through the protagonist of John Bunyan's allegory The Pilgrim's Progress. Related forms include Cristian, Kristian, Chrétien, and the feminine variants Christina and Christine.