Christopher is a popular given name of English origin, derived from the Late Latin name Christophorus. The name Christophorus means "bearer of Christ" and comes from the Greek words christos meaning "anointed one" or "messiah," and phorus meaning "bearer."
The story behind Christopher goes back to the 3rd century when he was a giant saint who carried Christ across a river. According to the legend, Christopher was originally named Offerus but changed his name after performing this deed. He became a martyr for his faith during the reign of the Roman Emperor Decius.
Over time, the name Christopher has been associated with several notable figures throughout history, including Saint Christopher, who is revered as the patron saint of travelers and is often depicted in art carrying Christ on his shoulders. The name also gained popularity among royal families, such as the House of Stuart in Scotland and England.
Today, Christopher remains a popular choice for boys' names worldwide, ranking among the top 100 most popular names in many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and several European nations. Its enduring appeal can be attributed to its strong religious associations, historical significance, and timeless charm.
Christopher is a popular name among parents in the United States, with statistics showing that there were five babies named Christopher born in the year 1986 alone. This means that out of all the newborns that year, approximately one in every two thousand boys was given this name. While this may not seem like a large number, it is important to note that these figures are only for one particular year and do not account for any other years where Christopher may have been even more popular or less so. Despite this, the fact that five babies were named Christopher in 1986 suggests that this name has had some level of enduring popularity over time.