"bearer of Christ"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
Christopher
Pronunciation: [ kr-IHST-uhf-er ]
Does Christopher flow with your last name?
A bold classic that transcends gender
English
American
Scandinavian
Classic
Strong
Traditional
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Meaning & Origin
"Christ-carrier"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
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The Story of Christopher
Christopher comes from the Greek Christophoros, meaning bearer of Christ, combining Christos (Christ) and phoros (bearer). While historically a masculine name, it has been increasingly used for girls, particularly in the US, following a trend of traditional male names crossing over. The name gained its legendary resonance from Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travelers.
Christopher was a top-10 boys name in the US from the 1960s through the 1990s. As a girls name, it remains rare but has been used by parents seeking a strong, unconventional choice — often with the nickname Chris or Chrissy.
Saint Christopher is venerated in Catholic and Orthodox Christianity as the patron saint of travelers. The St. Christopher medal is one of the most widely worn Christian devotional items worldwide.
Historical Record
Christopher first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 9,295 babies have been named Christopher in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Christopher is past its peak , currently ranked #36,881 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Saint Christopher is one of the most venerated saints in Catholic tradition despite limited historical documentation
- Christopher was the #1 boys name in the United States for multiple years in the 1970s-80s
Christopher in Other Languages
French
Christophe
German
Christoph
Italian
Cristoforo
Russian
Кристофер
Spanish
Cristóbal
Popularity Over Time
#36,881
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1983
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #36,881
- Total SSA Count
- 6
- Cultural Origins
- English American Scandinavian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Chris
Chrissy
Topher
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Distinctive pick, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Distinctive pick, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Christopher
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Christopher is also used as a boy name, ranked #61.
View Christopher as a boy name →Similar Names
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Germanic origin
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Latin (patricius) origin
"noble, patrician"
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Lerae
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American origin
"Meadow and ewe; modern blend name"
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Scottish Gaelic origin
"valley, mountain glen"
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Hebrew origin
"God is gracious"
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French origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Christopher
What does the name Christopher mean?
"bearer of Christ" (from Greek). "Christ-carrier" (from Latin). Christopher comes from the Greek Christophoros, meaning bearer of Christ, combining Christos (Christ) and phoros (bearer). While historically a masculine name, it has been increasingly used for girls, particularly in the US, following a trend of traditional male names crossing over. The name gained its legendary resonance from Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travelers.
What is the origin of the name Christopher?
Christopher has Greek, Latin, English, American, and Scandinavian origins. In Greek, it means "bearer of Christ". In Latin, it means "Christ-carrier".
Is Christopher a boy or girl name?
Christopher is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #36881. As a boy name, it is ranked #61. Christopher is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Christopher?
Christopher is pronounced kr-IHST-uhf-er.
How popular is the name Christopher?
Christopher is currently ranked #36881 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Christopher?
Common nicknames for Christopher include Chris, Chrissy, and Topher.
What are good middle names for Christopher?
Popular middle name pairings include Christopher Rose, Christopher Marie, Christopher Anne, Christopher Grace, Christopher Lynn, and Christopher Faith.
What are good sibling names for Christopher?
Names that pair well with Christopher as siblings include Alexander, Nicholas, Sophia, Isabella, and Matthew.
How many syllables does Christopher have?
Christopher has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Christopher a common or rare name?
Christopher is an uncommon name, ranked #36881 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Christopher?
Are there other spellings for Christopher?
About the Name Christopher
Christopher is a girl name with English, American, and Scandinavian origins . The name means "bearer of Christ" in Greek .
Is Christopher a boy or girl name? Christopher is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #36,881 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #61. Christopher is more commonly used as a boy name.
Christopher is currently ranked #36,881 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Christopher has 4 syllables and is pronounced kr-IHST-uhf-er, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Christopher include Chris, Chrissy, and Topher. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Christopher include Christina, Christine, Christiana, Christy, Christian . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis