Meaning, origin, history
Christopher is a name of Greek origin that means "bearer of Christ." It is derived from the Greek word "Christos," which means "anointed" or "marked," and the suffix "-pher," which means "bearer."
The name Christopher has been popular throughout history, with notable figures such as Saint Christopher, a martyr who was venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church. According to legend, Saint Christopher was a giant of a man who carried people across a dangerous river. One day, he met a child who appeared to be too heavy for him to carry. As they crossed the river, the child became heavier and heavier until Christopher could hardly move. When they reached the other side, the child revealed himself as Christ, explaining that he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.
The name Christopher has also been associated with many famous people throughout history, including Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer who discovered the Americas in 1492, and Christopher Marlowe, an English playwright and poet who lived during the Elizabethan era.
Today, the name Christopher continues to be popular around the world. It is often shortened to Chris or Kris, and its variants include Christoph, Kristian, Kristoffer, and Cristofer, among others. Despite its many forms, however, the meaning of Christopher remains consistent: bearer of Christ.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Christhian since 1880
Total births
52
Total since 1880
Peak year
2006
10 births
in 2022
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-44%
↘
vs previous 5 years