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GIRLS’ NAMES
What They Mean-Famous People That Bore the Name-The Name in History, Literature, Etc.
By Henry W. Fischer
[Welland Telegraph, 31 May 1912]
CHRISTINA
The first English Christina of which the records tell was the Abbess of Romsey, celebrated in ancient Norman lore, and a kinswoman of Atheling. Romsey is one of the oldest towns of Hampshire, and the abbey a Norman foundation. The name means Christ’s messenger, Iris is its emblem, “heaven messenger” its sentiment.
In the north of England, particularly Yorkshire and Cornwall, Christabel has been popular since olden days. This is clearly a contraction Christy (short for Christine) and Bella (fair) and the literal translation would read Fair Christine. English pet names for Christine are Chrissie and Xina.
“Christabelle” was the daughter of a “bonny Irish King” and in love with Cauline in the old ballad. The poem “Christabel,” though it remained a fragment, made Coleridge famous.
Christine de Pisan was a French poetess of the 15th Century and one of the first women to write poetry for a a living.
The most famous of them was the daughter of Gustavus Adolphus, the warrior King of Sweden. She assumed the government when a girl of eighteen, and astonished not only the Scandinavian countries but all Europe by her statecraft, wisdom and energy.
Christina of Spain was the fourth Queen of Ferdinand VII, the mother of Queen Isabel, who was driven from Spain in 1870, and the great-grandmother of the present King Alfonso. Because her several children were girls, her weak husband re-established the law of the old Castle, permitting women to rule. This caused the several Carlist wars.
Maria Christina was regent of Spain for her son, the present King, during the late American was with that country.
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