Christopher

How to say it

/ˈkrɪs.tə.fɚ/

What it means

Greek Christophoros, 'Christ-bearer.' Saint Christopher is the patron of travelers and one of the most-depicted saints in Christian art.

Christopher comes from Greek Christos ('anointed') + pherein ('to bear'), 'Christ-bearer.' The legend of Saint Christopher (3rd century) has him carrying a child across a river who turns out to be Christ; medallions of him are still common on dashboards and keychains as travel charms. The name was enormously popular in mid-century America, peaking at #2 in the 1980s, and is now sliding gracefully out of the top 100. Chris is the universal short, Topher and Kit are less common but standalone among Christophers who go by them.

Heads-up notes

• Nickname

  Chris is universal. Topher and Kit are less common but used by Christophers who want a distinct adult identity.

Who's worn it

Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.

• Saint Christopher 3rd-century martyr, patron of travelers
• Christopher Columbus Genoese navigator who reached the Americas in 1492
• Christopher Reeve Actor, Superman (1978) and disability-rights advocate

Spelling variants

• Cristopher
• Cristóbal
• Kristoffer

Names with the same feeling

• Michael Who is like God?
• Matthew Gift of God
• Daniel God is my judge
• Anthony Roman family name, root uncertain
• Alexander Defender of people

See Christopher from another angle