Tristan
Tristan is a girl's name of Celtic origin.
Meaning
Riot, tumult, or sorrowful.
Origin and history
Tristan originates from Celtic roots, likely derived from the Brythonic name Drystan, associated with noise or tumult, and later influenced by the French word 'triste' meaning sorrowful. Historically a masculine name tied to Arthurian legend, it sees occasional use as a feminine name in the United States. While less common for girls than for boys, it remains a recognized unisex choice.
Popularity in the United States
6,551 babies in the United States have been named Tristan since 1880. It ranks #2095 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1941.
States where it is most popular
- TX (15.9 %)
- CA (13.4 %)
- FL (7.1 %)
- OH (5.5 %)
- GA (4.6 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 0 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 0 |
| 1950-1960 | 0 |
| 1960-1970 | 77 |
| 1970-1980 | 307 |
| 1980-1990 | 1,388 |
| 1990-2000 | 1,943 |
| 2000-2010 | 1,978 |
| 2010-2019 | 698 |
| 2020-2029 | 160 |
Fun facts
- The name Tristan gained enduring literary fame through the medieval romance of Tristan and Iseult.
- Originally derived from the Pictish name Drystan, medieval French storytellers influenced its meaning by connecting it to 'triste'.