Meaning, origin, history
Christopher is a name of Greek origin that means "bearer of Christ". It has been a popular name throughout history and has been used in many different cultures.
The name Christopher was first recorded as a given name in the 14th century, but it has its roots in the Middle Ages when it was used as a surname. The name was derived from the Latin "Christophorus", which is composed of the words "Christos" meaning "Christ" and "pherō" meaning "bear". Therefore, Christopher literally means "bearer of Christ".
The most famous bearer of the name Christopher was Saint Christopher, who was a martyr in the 3rd century. According to legend, Saint Christopher carried people across a river and one day he carried Jesus Christ, who was disguised as a child. After that experience, Christopher became a devoted follower of Christ and was later martyred for his faith.
The name Christopher has been popular throughout history and has been used by many notable figures including Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer who discovered America in 1492, and Christopher Marlowe, an English playwright and poet from the Elizabethan era. Today, it remains one of the most popular names for boys around the world.
In literature, Christopher has been used as a character name in many works, such as "The Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S. Lewis and "Mrs. Dalloway" by Virginia Woolf. It has also been used in popular culture, such as in the television show "The Big Bang Theory" and the movie "Jurassic Park".
Overall, Christopher is a name with a rich history and a meaningful origin that has stood the test of time. Its popularity throughout history and its use in literature and pop culture make it a name that is instantly recognizable and beloved by many.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Chrostopher since 1880
Total births
22
Total since 1880
Peak year
1990
7 births
in 1990
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years