All about the name

Chris

Male

« Chris is of Greek origin, meaning 'follower of Christ', derived from the male names Christopher/Christina, which means 'anointed'. It's a popular unisex name today. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Chris is a name of Greek origin that means "follower of Christ". It is a popular name in English-speaking countries and has been used for both males and females throughout history. The name Chris was originally used as a shortened form of the male names Christopher or Christina, which were derived from the Greek word "Christos", meaning "anointed" or "appointed". The name gained popularity during the Middle Ages as a result of the veneration of Saint Christopher, who was believed to have been martyred for his faith in Christ. Over time, Chris became established as an independent given name in its own right. It is now often used as a unisex name and has been popular among parents looking for a simple yet strong-sounding name for their children. Some famous people named Chris include the American actor Chris Hemsworth, the Australian cricket player Chris Lynn, and the British singer-songwriter Chris Martin.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Chris since 1880

Total births
146,614
Total since 1880
Peak year
1961
7,206 births
in 2023
329
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-9%
vs previous 5 years