This is my own name and I've always known it to be pronounced Kur-stin in the UK not Keer-stin which I think perhaps is American sounding. I'm biased but I love it and would not change it for the world. I was always told it was Scandinavian but I'm half Scottish so it could be either. I much prefer the 'in' ending to 'en' and it annoys me no end when people shorten it to Kirsty!. I think it must be fairly uncommon as I'm the only one I know with this name.
This is similar and probably related to the name Kjirstin, which is my name. And it is pronounced either KEER-stin or KUR-stin, depending on whether it is Scottish or Scandinavian usage.
― Anonymous User 2/3/2007
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This name is more commonly spelled Kirsten, and incorrectly pronounced KEER-stin instead of KUR-stin.
I think it must be fairly uncommon as I'm the only one I know with this name.