Christopher

“Χριστόφορος, meaning 'bearer of Christ'.”

USA origin · Boy name

♂ 100% boys♀ 0% girls

#55US 2023

5.2kBirths / yr

→Stable

2052.2kAll-time births

📅 Since 1880🏆 72 years in top 1003.22% of births at peak

How to pronounce Christopher

KRIST·uf·AWR

/ˈkrɪst.əf.ˈɔr/ · stress on KRIST · 3 syllables

“Χριστόφορος, meaning 'bearer of Christ'.”

USA origin · Boy name

What does Christopher mean and where does it come from?

While Christopher is traditionally a male name, it has been increasingly used as a unisex name in recent times. Originating from the Greek name Χριστόφορος (Christóphoros), it signifies 'Christ-bearer'. The name has significant historical relevance due to St. Christopher, a widely venerated Christia

Cultural significance

Christopher has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in USA-speaking communities, where it reflects values of χριστόφορος, meaning 'bearer of christ'..

Peak popularity

Reached #2 in 1972 — currently #55 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Christopher?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Christopher?

Christopher works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Christopher Grace

How popular is Christopher right now?

Holding steady — currently #55 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#55 · Top 0.04%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#55	5,191	stable · -7% births
2022	#55	5,579	▼ down 3 · -5% births
2021	#52	5,856	▼ down 5 · -5% births
2020	#47	6,143	▼ down 15 · -37% births
2015	#32	9,815	▼ down 19 · -31% births
2010	#13	14,279	▼ down 3 · -26% births
2005	#10	19,168	▼ down 5 · -23% births
2000	#5	24,932	▼ down 2 · -24% births
1995	#3	32,674	▼ down 1 · -38% births
1990	#2	52,336	stable · -12% births
1985	#2	59,609	stable · +21% births
1980	#2	49,092	▲ up 1 · +5% births
1975	#3	46,592	▲ up 3 · +12% births
1970	#6	41,772	▲ up 12 · +70% births
1965	#18	24,637	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Christopher

Best Year1980Rank #2

Peak Count59,609

Average Rank#122

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

The story of Christopher

Christopher has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #2 in 1972, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 2052K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #142 in 1880 to #55 in 2023. Christopher is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.

Names that peaked alongside Christopher in 1972:

Michael James David John Robert

Christopher by decade

Christopher peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	752
1890s	668
1900s	484
1910s	1,961
1920s	2,865
1930s	2,747
1940s	16,066
1950s	78,553
1960s	238,109
1970s	478,375
1980s ★	558,546
1990s	361,259
2000s	203,720
2010s	101,909
2020s	6,151

What are good nicknames for Christopher?

BULGARIAN

Hristo

CROATIAN

Krsto

DANISH

Kris

ENGLISH

ChipChrisKitKrisTopher

What names sound and feel like Christopher?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Christopher also consider these

Christofher

Germanic · Greek

Christoher

English · A meaningful name

Chritopher

English · A meaningful name

Chistopher

English · Latin

Chirstopher

English · A meaningful name

Shristopher

English · Bearer of Christ.

Khristopher

Greece · Bearer of Christ

Cristopher

Greek · Bearer of Christ

How is Christopher written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Christopher

What does the name Christopher mean?

Christopher means "Χριστόφορος, meaning 'bearer of Christ'." — a name rooted in USA tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Christopher?

Christopher is currently ranked #55 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Christopher?

Christopher originates from USA tradition. USA names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Christopher?

Christopher is a three-syllable name pronounced K R IH1 S T AH0 F AO1 R. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Christopher?

Christopher pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar USA heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.