Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Chris
BoyEnglish, Greek· “short form of Christopher or Christian”
- Meaning
- short form of Christopher or Christian
- Origin
- English, Greek
- Pronunciation
- KRIHS
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #646
- US babies 2025
- 431
- Best rank
- #55 (1966)
- Peak year
- 1961
Meaning and origin of Chris
Chris is an English and Greek name that means “short form of Christopher or Christian”.
Chris is a short form of Christopher, Christian, Christine and other names beginning with Christ-. Christopher comes from the Greek for "bearing Christ", while Christian comes from the Latin for "follower of Christ". Chris became an independent given name in the twentieth century, when short, friendly forms were fashionable, and it was especially common in the United States in the middle and late decades. Well-known bearers include actors Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth and Chris Pratt. The name works for boys and occasionally for girls. It is simple, casual and approachable, and it needs no further nickname.
Other spellings with the same sound: Kris, Cris, Kriss, Criss, Chriss.
Popularity over time
Chris has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #55 in 1966, and the most babies received it in 1961, when 7,203 were named Chris. In 2025, 431 babies were named Chris, and it ranked #646 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #452 in 1920, #178 in 1950, #234 in 1980, #391 in 2000, #393 in 2010, and #646 in 2025. Of the 147,462 US boys named Chris since records began, 38% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 25,897 babies. Since 2010, 7,972 more have been named Chris.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Randall, Glenn, Tim, Russell, and Barry.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Chris ranked highest in Florida, Kentucky, and Nevada.
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Chris over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Chris is usually pronounced KRIHS, with one syllable. It has five letters, starts with C and ends in “-is”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Kris, Cris, Kriss, and Criss.
Middle names for Chris
A few middle names that flow with Chris: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Chris
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Lists that include Chris
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Chris mean?
Chris is an English and Greek name that means “short form of Christopher or Christian”.
What is the origin of the name Chris?
Chris has English and Greek roots. Chris is a short form of Christopher, Christian, Christine and other names beginning with Christ-.
Is Chris a popular name?
Yes. Chris ranked #646 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Chris a boy or girl name?
Chris is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Chris over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Chris?
Chris is usually pronounced KRIHS. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings