Chris is a name of Greek origin that means "follower of Christ". It is a popular name in English-speaking countries and has been used for both males and females throughout history.
The name Chris was originally used as a shortened form of the male names Christopher or Christina, which were derived from the Greek word "Christos", meaning "anointed" or "appointed". The name gained popularity during the Middle Ages as a result of the veneration of Saint Christopher, who was believed to have been martyred for his faith in Christ.
Over time, Chris became established as an independent given name in its own right. It is now often used as a unisex name and has been popular among parents looking for a simple yet strong-sounding name for their children.
Some famous people named Chris include the American actor Chris Hemsworth, the Australian cricket player Chris Lynn, and the British singer-songwriter Chris Martin.
The name Chris has a rich history in the United States, with over 146,614 babies given this name since 1880. The popularity of the name Chris has varied significantly throughout the years.
In the late 19th century, around 30 to 70 births per year were recorded for the name Chris, with fluctuations from year to year. However, starting in the early 20th century, there was a significant increase in the number of babies named Chris, with over 100 births per year becoming commonplace.
The peak popularity of the name Chris occurred between 1946 and 1957, during which time the number of annual births with this name ranged from approximately 2,500 to over 4,500. This period of high popularity corresponds with the post-World War II baby boom in the United States.
After the late 1950s, the popularity of the name Chris began to decline steadily, with fewer than 1,000 births per year being recorded from the mid-1970s onwards. This trend continued until the early 2000s, during which time the number of annual births with the name Chris was typically between 400 and 600.
However, in recent years, there has been a slight resurgence in the popularity of the name Chris among parents in the United States. Between 2015 and 2022, the number of annual births with this name ranged from approximately 300 to over 400. This suggests that while the name Chris may not be as popular as it once was, it continues to be a well-loved choice among parents.
Overall, the statistics regarding the name Chris in the United States demonstrate a long history of popularity and a continued relevance in modern times. With over 146,614 babies given this name since 1880, it is clear that Chris remains a beloved and enduring choice for parents looking to give their child a strong and distinctive name.