Christopher

For other uses, see Christopher (disambiguation).
Christopher
Gender Male
Origin
Word/name Greek
Meaning Χριστόφορος (Christóphοros), 'Christ-bearer'
Other names
Related names Chris, Christoph, Christy,
Look up Christopher in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Christopher is the English version of a Europe-wide name derived from the Greek name Χριστόφορος (Christóforos). The constituent parts are Χριστός (Christós), "Christ", and φέρειν (férein), "bear": the "Christ-bearer"

As a given, or first name, Christopher has been in use since the 10th century. In Denmark the name was borne by three kings (their names are usually spelled Christoffer), and included the 15th-century Christopher of Bavaria who also ruled Norway and Sweden.

In English, Christopher may be abbreviated as 'Chris' or 'Kit', the latter the more common abbreviation until the later 20th century. Another less common abbreviation 'Topher' has come into wider use in the U.S.

It was frequently the most popular male first name in the United Kingdom, having been in the top twenty in England and Wales from the 1940s until 1995, although it has since dropped out of the top 100. The name is most common in England and not so common in Wales, Scotland or Ireland.[1]

People with the name

Cognates in non-English languages

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Christopher - Meaning And Origin Of The Name Christopher". Baby Names UK.