Christiansen

Christiansen is a surname of British origin that can be traced back to the influence of the Vikings in the British Isles. The name is derived from the Old Norse personal name "Kristjan", meaning "Christian". It was introduced to Britain during the Viking Age and has since become a common surname in the country.

Origins and Meaning

The surname Christiansen is a patronymic name, indicating "son of Christian". The prefix "Christ" refers to Christ or Christianity, highlighting the religious influence of the name.

Distribution and Popularity

The surname Christiansen is prevalent in Northern England, especially in areas with historical Viking settlements. It is also found in Scotland and Ireland due to the migration of Norsemen to these regions.

Notable Individuals

  • Erik Christiansen - Renowned historian and author, known for his extensive works on Viking history and culture.
  • Sophie Christiansen - Paralympic equestrian and multiple gold medallist, representing Great Britain.

Variants

Variants of the surname Christiansen include Kristiansen, Christensen, and Kristensen.

References

  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Routledge.
  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.

There are approximately 543 people named Christiansen in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around eight in a million people in Britain are named Christiansen.

Origin: Scandinavian

Region of origin: Europe

Country of origin: Norway

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Norwegian

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • David
  • Eric
  • John
  • Lars
  • Lee
  • Michael
  • Neil
  • Niels
  • Ole
  • Peter
  • Thomas

Female

  • Anne
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Hannah
  • Julia
  • Lisa
  • Mary
  • Mette
  • Patricia
  • Sandra
  • Sharon
  • Sophie
  • Susan

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