Christopher is a masculine given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek words "Christos" meaning "anointed one" or "messiah", and "phores" meaning "bearer". Therefore, the name Christopher means "bearer of Christ" or "bearer of Messiah".
The name Christopher was popular among early Christians as it reflects their belief in Jesus Christ being the bearer of salvation. It gained further popularity during the Middle Ages due to the legend of Saint Christopher, a third-century Christian martyr who is believed to have carried Christ across a river.
Saint Christopher is often depicted in art and literature as a giant carrying the child Jesus on his shoulders while crossing a swollen river. This image has contributed to the name Christopher becoming associated with strength and courage.
The name Christopher was first recorded in England during the 12th century, where it gained prominence among the nobility. It subsequently spread throughout Europe, eventually making its way to other parts of the world through colonization and immigration.
Over time, various forms and variations of the name Christopher have emerged, including Christoper, Kristoffer, Kristofor, and Krister. Despite these variations, all these names share a common root in the original Greek name Christopher.
Today, Christopher remains a popular given name for boys around the world. It is often shortened to Chris or Chrissy, with some people also using the diminutive forms Kip or Kris.
In conclusion, the name Christopher has a rich history and significant meaning rooted in early Christian beliefs. Its association with Saint Christopher further enhances its appeal as a strong and courageous name for boys.
The name Christophor has seen a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past seven decades. The earliest record available shows that there were only five babies named Christophor born in the U.S. in 1951.
Interestingly, the number of births with this name fluctuated significantly during the following two decades. For instance, the highest peak was reached in 1971 when there were 35 newborns named Christophor. However, this figure significantly dropped to just eight in 1981 and then rose again to 16 in 1983.
The late 1980s witnessed a decline in the popularity of this name with fewer than ten births each year from 1987 to 1990. This trend continued into the early 1990s, with only six and seven babies named Christophor born in 1991 and 1994 respectively.
However, the 21st century has seen a renewed interest in this name. After reaching an all-time low of zero births in 2000, there were nine babies named Christophor in 1999 and eight in 2003. This demonstrates that while the popularity of the name Christophor has ebbed and flowed over time, it has not entirely disappeared.
In total, from 1951 to 2003, there were 537 babies named Christophor born in the United States. While this is certainly not a common name by any means, it does appear that those who choose this name for their children are drawn to its unique sound and perhaps its historic significance.