Meaning, origin, history
Christopher is a popular male given name of English origin. It is derived from the Late Middle English name Cristopher, which is in turn derived from the Greek name Chrístephanos (χρίστης + φανής), a compound of chrís (χρῖσος) meaning "golden" and pháos (φάος) meaning "appearance". The name was originally intended to mean "bearing Christ", but it is often interpreted as meaning "holder of Christ".
The name Christopher has been popular throughout history. It was borne by several saints, including Saint Christopher, who is said to have carried the young Jesus across a river and is therefore considered the patron saint of travelers. The name became especially common in the Middle Ages, when it was adopted by many European monarchs and nobles.
Today, Christopher remains a popular name around the world. It has been particularly successful in English-speaking countries such as the United States, where it has consistently ranked among the top 100 names for boys since the mid-20th century. Variations of the name include Kristoffer (Scandinavian), Cristofer (Spanish), and Christo (Greek).
In literature and popular culture, Christopher has been used as a character name in numerous works, including "The Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S. Lewis and "Mrs. Doubtfire" by Matthew Broderick. It has also been borne by several notable figures throughout history, such as Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer who discovered the Americas, and Christopher Reeve, the American actor best known for his role as Superman in the 1970s and 1980s.
Overall, Christopher is a name of ancient origins that has stood the test of time. With its strong religious connotations and rich history, it remains a popular choice for parents looking to give their son a classic, meaningful name.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Christipher since 1880
Total births
620
Total since 1880
Peak year
1987
35 births
in 2009
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years