Christopher: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced KRIS-tuh-fer · 3 syllables
Christopher means “bearer of Christ”, from Greek.
From Late Latin Christophorus, from Koine Greek (Khristophoros, “carrier of Christ”), from Ancient Greek (Khristos, “Christ”) + (phoros, “carrier, bearer”), from (pherein, “to carry, to bear”) + - (-os, “-er: forming agent nouns”), from the legend of Saint Christopher carrying the infant Jesus across a river.
- Meaning
- bearer of Christ
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- KRIS-tuh-fer
- US rank (2025)
- #68
- US babies a year
- about 5,645 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1980
- Nicknames
- Chris
How popular is Christopher?
Christopher was the #68 name in the US in 2025, given to 4,748 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 53% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1980.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #68 |
| England & Wales | #179 |
| Scotland | #115 |
| Northern Ireland | #193 |
| Ireland | #126 |
| Norway | #308 |
| Canada | #196 |
| Australia | #146 |
How old are people named Christopher?
Half of US adults named Christopher are older than 43; most are between 22 and 65. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Christopher
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Christopher have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Christopher
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Christopher
What does the name Christopher mean?
Christopher means “bearer of Christ”. It comes from Greek.
How do you pronounce Christopher?
Christopher is pronounced KRIS-tuh-fer.
How popular is the name Christopher?
Christopher was the #68 name in the US in 2025, given to 4,748 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 53% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1980.
How old are people named Christopher?
Half of US adults named Christopher are older than 43. Most are between 22 and 65.