Christopher, of Greek origin, translates to "bearer of Christ." This moniker gained popularity during the Middle Ages due to the widespread reverence for Saint Christopher, a martyr and patron saint of travelers. The name has been used prominently among European royalty and nobility throughout history.
In England, it was popularized by King Henry II's wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, who named her son Christopher in honor of his godfather, the French nobleman Count Peter of Colombières. This further cemented its usage among English-speaking populations.
The name Christopher has a strong and steadfast ring to it, comprising two distinct elements: "Christ," derived from the Greek word for "anointed" or "marked," and "-pher," meaning "bearer." This compound name suggests a sense of responsibility, faith, and perhaps even destiny.
The name Christopher experienced significant popularity in the late 1960s to mid-1970s, peaking with over 70 births per year between 1968 and 1974. However, it declined sharply thereafter, with fewer than 25 births per year from 1990 onwards. The total number of births named Christopher over this period is 1304.