Kristopher is a name of Scandinavian origin, derived from the Old Norse name Krístofers. This name is composed of two elements: 'kristr', meaning 'Christian', and '-fers', which is a diminutive suffix. Therefore, Kristopher can be interpreted as "little Christian".
The name Kristopher has been popular throughout history, with one notable figure being Saint Christopher, who was venerated as the patron saint of travelers in the Middle Ages. According to legend, Saint Christopher carried the Christ Child across a river, giving rise to his association with travel and protection on journeys.
Despite its Scandinavian origins, Kristopher has also been widely used in other parts of Europe, particularly in Germany and England. In fact, variants of this name, such as Christopher, are among the most popular names in English-speaking countries today.
In terms of its meaning and historical significance, Kristopher embodies Christian faith and courage, reflecting the story of Saint Christopher's devotion to Christ and his willingness to face challenges on behalf of others. This could make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a name with deep roots and positive associations.
The name Kristopher has had a fascinating journey in terms of popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1947 and 2023, there were a total of 62,895 births registered for this name.
Looking at the statistics year by year, we can see that the number of births with the name Kristopher started quite low, with only 6 births in 1947. However, it began to gain traction in the late 1950s and early 1960s, with a significant increase in 1961, where there were 121 births, followed by another spike in 1965 with 184 births.
The name reached its peak popularity in the mid-1970s. In 1974, there were 1,308 births, and in 1976, it peaked at 2,346 births. This trend continued into the late 1970s and early 1980s, with over 2,000 births each year from 1977 to 1983.
However, after reaching its zenith in the mid-1980s, the popularity of the name Kristopher began to decline. From 1994 onwards, the number of annual births with this name consistently fell below 2,000. This trend continued into the 2000s and beyond, with only a few exceptions.
Despite this decline in popularity, it's clear that Kristopher remains a significant name in the United States. Even in recent years, there have been around 200-300 births each year, indicating that parents continue to choose this name for their children.