Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Christopher
BoyGreek· “bearing Christ”
- Meaning
- bearing Christ
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- KRIHS-tuh-fur
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #68
- US babies 2025
- 4,748
- Best rank
- #2 (1972)
- Peak year
- 1984
Meaning and origin of Christopher
Christopher is a Greek name that means “bearing Christ”.
Christopher comes from the Greek Christophoros, "bearing Christ". Early Christians used it in a spiritual sense, but legend turned it into the story of Saint Christopher, who carried the Christ child across a river. He became the patron of travelers, and his image appeared widely on medallions and in churches across medieval Europe. The name was established in England by the later Middle Ages. Christopher Columbus, whose voyages reached the Americas, and the playwright Christopher Marlowe are famous bearers, and Christopher Robin in A. A. Milne's stories gave it a gentle, childlike charm. Chris, Kit and Topher are nicknames.
Other spellings with the same sound: Kristopher.
Famous parents who chose Christopher: Kelsey Grammer and Kayte Walsh (2025). More celebrity baby names
Popularity over time
Christopher 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 #2 in 1972, and the most babies received it in 1984, when 60,021 were named Christopher. In 2025, 4,748 babies were named Christopher, and it ranked #68 nationally. That is 52% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #339 in 1920, #72 in 1950, #2 in 1980, #5 in 2000, #13 in 2010, and #68 in 2025. Of the 2,069,596 US boys named Christopher since records began, 27% were born in the 1980s, its biggest decade. The 1970s come next, with 475,423 babies. Since 2010, 134,852 more have been named Christopher.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Matthew, Daniel, Ryan, and Adam.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Christopher ranked highest in Mississippi, New Mexico, and Alabama.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | #24 | 59 |
| New Mexico | #32 | 37 |
| Alabama | #37 | 95 |
| Georgia | #41 | 201 |
| New Jersey | #45 | 183 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Christopher is usually pronounced KRIHS-tuh-fur, with three syllables. It has 11 letters, starts with C and ends in “-er”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Kristopher.
Middle names for Christopher
A few middle names that flow with Christopher: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Christopher
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Lists that include Christopher
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Christopher mean?
Christopher is a Greek name that means “bearing Christ”.
What is the origin of the name Christopher?
Christopher has Greek roots. Christopher comes from the Greek Christophoros, "bearing Christ".
Is Christopher a popular name?
Yes. Christopher ranked #68 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Christopher a boy or girl name?
Christopher is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Christopher?
Christopher is usually pronounced KRIHS-tuh-fur. 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