Christopher is of Greek origin, derived from the word Christophoros, which translates to "bearer of Christ." This name has been popular throughout history, with one of its earliest known references being in the story of Saint Christopher, a Christian martyr who was believed to have carried the young Jesus across a river. The name gained prominence during the Middle Ages and has since become a classic choice for parents around the world.
The name Christopher consists of two distinct parts: Christos, meaning "Christ," and phoros, meaning "bearer." This creates a powerful and meaningful moniker that has been passed down through generations. It is often shortened to Chris or Topher in informal settings.
Christopher has consistently ranked among the top 500 names for boys in the United States since record-keeping began in the late 19th century. In fact, it was the 26th most popular name for boys born in the U.S. during the 1980s and 1990s.
Notable individuals with the name Christopher include famous actors like Chris Hemsworth and Chris Pine; renowned authors such as C.S. Lewis and Christopher Moore; and historical figures like explorer Christopher Columbus and inventor Christopher Latham Sholes, who developed the QWERTY keyboard layout.
In literature, one notable character named Christopher is from "The Chronicles of Narnia" series by C.S. Lewis. This character, Reepicheep, is a valiant talking mouse who plays an important role in several books within the series.
Overall, Christopher is a strong and timeless name with rich historical roots and a wide range of notable bearers throughout various fields. Its meaning makes it a powerful choice for parents looking to give their child a name that carries deep significance.
"Christopher was popular as a baby name from the mid-60s to the late 70s, peaking with 46 births each year in 1979 and 1980. However, popularity declined sharply from the early 80s onwards, reaching just single-digit figures by the mid-90s."