Christopher
What does the name Christopher mean?
The meaning of the name “Christopher” is: “Bearer of Christ”.
Additional information: Taken from the Late Greek words “Χρήστος” meaning “the annointed one, Christ” and “φέρω” meaning “to bear”, Christopher has the meaning “bearing Christ” or “Christ-bearer”. It is the name of the Patron Saint of travelers, Saint Christopher. His name was taken literally to saw that he carried the baby Jesus across a river at one point in the Christ’s younger days.
Although Christopher is the most common spelling of the name in English-speaking countries, there are many other variations which are frequently used. Kristopher, Christoffer, Kristoffer, Christoff, and Kristoff are all seen around parts of Europe. Other variations include Kristofor, Christoffel, Christophe, Christoph, Cristoforo, and Kristaps. Short forms of Christopher are Chris, Topher, Christy, and sometimes Kit.
The popularity of the name Christopher hit a high peak in the mid to late 1900s. In the US it was rated as the 2nd most popular boy’s name from 1979 to 1994, and was in the top 10 most popular names between 1967 and 2009. The peak popularity for this name was in Canada where it reached the most popular boy’s name in 1985. It also stayed in the top 10 between 1968 and 1994. There has been a downward trend in popularity from the peak usage until 2014, with ratings of 30th most popular in the US, 94th most popular in Australia, 72nd most popular in Ireland, and a rating outside of the top 100 in Canada.
Many famous celebrities and notable individuals have shared the name Christopher, including Christopher Columbus, a 14th century explorer; Christopher Lee, an actor; Christopher Eccleston, an actor; Christopher Walken, an actor; Christopher Meloni, an actor; Christopher Nolan, a director; Christopher Paolini, a fictional author; the fictional Christopher Robin from Winnie the Pooh; and Christopher Batten, a bassist. Christopher Wren was an English architect, who designed many of the churches of London following the Great Fire of London, and Christopher Marlowe was an Elizabethan playwright.
Although Christopher is the most common spelling of the name in English-speaking countries, there are many other variations which are frequently used. Kristopher, Christoffer, Kristoffer, Christoff, and Kristoff are all seen around parts of Europe. Other variations include Kristofor, Christoffel, Christophe, Christoph, Cristoforo, and Kristaps. Short forms of Christopher are Chris, Topher, Christy, and sometimes Kit.
The popularity of the name Christopher hit a high peak in the mid to late 1900s. In the US it was rated as the 2nd most popular boy’s name from 1979 to 1994, and was in the top 10 most popular names between 1967 and 2009. The peak popularity for this name was in Canada where it reached the most popular boy’s name in 1985. It also stayed in the top 10 between 1968 and 1994. There has been a downward trend in popularity from the peak usage until 2014, with ratings of 30th most popular in the US, 94th most popular in Australia, 72nd most popular in Ireland, and a rating outside of the top 100 in Canada.
Many famous celebrities and notable individuals have shared the name Christopher, including Christopher Columbus, a 14th century explorer; Christopher Lee, an actor; Christopher Eccleston, an actor; Christopher Walken, an actor; Christopher Meloni, an actor; Christopher Nolan, a director; Christopher Paolini, a fictional author; the fictional Christopher Robin from Winnie the Pooh; and Christopher Batten, a bassist. Christopher Wren was an English architect, who designed many of the churches of London following the Great Fire of London, and Christopher Marlowe was an Elizabethan playwright.
Categories: Christian Names, Classic Names, English Names, Greek Names, Movie Star Names, Popular Names, Saints Names
Used in: English speaking countries
Gender: Boy Names
Origins: Greek
Starts with: C
