Christopher

What does the baby name Christopher mean? Learn about what Christopher means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Christopher - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Christopher
C-H-R-I-S-T-O-P-H-E-R, is a 11-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Christopher
KRIS-tə-fər
KRIS tof ur
Meaning of Christopher
Christ-bearer, bearing christ, bearer of christ, follower of christ.
Origin of Christopher
The name 'Christopher' has its roots in ancient Greece, where it was commonly used as a given name. It is believed to have originated from the combination of the Greek words 'Christos' meaning 'Christ' and 'phoros' meaning 'to bear' or 'to carry'. The name was often given to individuals who were thought to have a special connection to Christ or who were devoted followers of the Christian faith.
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Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Christopher
Chris
Christo
Christobal
Christof
Christoff
Christoffer
Christoforo
Christoph
Christophe
Christophoros
Christos
Cristobal
Kit
Kris
Kriss
Kristo
Kristofor
Kristos
Popularity of Christopher
The earliest known use of the name 'Christopher' dates back to the 3rd century, with the martyrdom of Saint 'Christopher', a legendary figure who is said to have carried the Christ child across a river. Saint 'Christopher' became a popular saint in the Middle Ages, and the name gained significant popularity during this time. It continued to be widely used throughout Europe and the English-speaking world.

The popularity of the name 'Christopher' has fluctuated over time. In the United States, it reached its peak in the 1970s and 1980s, consistently ranking among the top 10 most popular names for boys. However, its popularity has declined in recent years, and it is now less commonly used.
Christopher currently has 5146 likes, and is the 10th most liked boy's name. The name Alex is slightly more popular than Christopher.

Etymology of Christopher

The etymology of the name 'Christopher' can be traced back to its Greek roots. The word 'Christos' is derived from the Greek word 'christos', which means 'anointed one' or 'chosen one'. This word is closely associated with Jesus Christ, the central figure of the Christian faith. The word 'phoros' comes from the Greek word 'pherein', which means 'to bear' or 'to carry'. When combined, these words create the meaning of 'bearing Christ' or 'Christ-bearer.'

Cultural Significance of Christopher

The name 'Christopher' holds significant cultural and religious importance. In Christian tradition, Saint 'Christopher' is regarded as the patron saint of travelers and is often invoked for protection during journeys. The name has also been associated with bravery and strength, as Saint 'Christopher' is depicted as a strong and courageous figure.