Kristen was originally a male first name, the Danish or Norwegian form of Christian (see Christian (disambiguation). http://www.behindthename.com/php/view.php?name=kristen-1 However, in English speaking countries Kristen is usually now a female first name, used as an alternative spelling of Kristin, a Scandinavian form of Christine. http://www.behindthename.com/php/view.php?name=kristen-2