Christie or Christy (with various alternative spellings) is a given name, used in English for females. The name Christie originated from Italy in 1222,[citation needed] and derives from the Greek names Christos (a reference to Christ, literally 'anointed one') and Christiana (meaning 'follower of Christ').[citation needed] The name Christy appears in Ireland in 1345,[citation needed] and is a common masculine name there. When used as a personal name in English, it is usually a diminutive form of the personal names Christian, Christopher, etc. (masculine), or Christine, Christina, etc. (feminine). The name "Christie" has been assigned other connotations, such as 'angel', 'cute', 'graceful', 'beautiful', 'lovely', even 'princess'.