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Christopher

♂ Boy

Pronounced KRIS-tuh-fer /ˈkrɪstəfər/High

Meaning: Bearer of Christ; from Greek Christophoros (Christos: Christ + pherein: to bear)High

In 30 seconds: A grand Greek Christian name meaning 'bearer of Christ.' Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travelers, made it beloved worldwide; it dominated U.S. charts for decades.
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Origin HighGreek
MeaningBearer of Christ; from Greek Christophoros (Christos: Christ + pherein: to bear)
Peak year1984
Total births (all-time)≈ 2,022,164

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 198418802017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Christopher comes from the Greek Christophoros, a compound of Christos (Christ) and pherein (to bear, carry). The legendary Saint Christopher, said to have carried the Christ child across a dangerous river, became one of the most popular saints of medieval Europe. His feast day (July 25) and patronage of travelers made the name common across Catholic and Orthodox countries.

Christopher entered the English-speaking world in the medieval period and rose to dominance in the U.S. from the 1950s through the 1990s, when it consistently ranked in the top 5. It has since declined from peak popularity but remains solidly in the top 50, carrying associations with exploration (Christopher Columbus) and literature (Christopher Marlowe, A.A. Milne's Christopher Robin).

Did you know? Saint Christopher is depicted in legend carrying the Christ child across a river — hence 'Christ-bearer.' He is the patron saint of travelers, which is why Christopher medals are hung in cars.

Variations

ChristophCristóbalKristofferKristopher

Nicknames

ChrisKitTopher

Famous Bearers

  • ★Christopher Columbus (1451–1506)
    Italian explorer who completed four voyages across the Atlantic, opening the Americas to European colonization.
  • ★Christopher Nolan (1970–)
    British-American film director known for The Dark Knight trilogy, Inception, and Oppenheimer.

If you like Christopher…

Nicholas— another Greek Christian saint's name that was dominant in the same era
Michael— fellow Greek-origin Christian classic that topped U.S. charts for decades
Andrew— Greek apostle name with the same enduring classic feel
Matthew— Greek Biblical name that rose to prominence in the same mid-20th century wave

Frequently Asked

What does the name Christopher mean?

Christopher is a Greek name meaning 'bearer of Christ,' from Christos (Christ) and pherein (to bear).

How do you pronounce Christopher?

It's said KRIS-tuh-fer /ˈkrɪstəfər/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Christopher a boy or girl name?

Christopher is used almost exclusively as a boys' name.

How popular is Christopher?

Christopher ranked in the U.S. top 5 boys' names from the 1960s through the 1990s and remains in the top 50.