Christopher (given Name)

Christopher (given Name)

Christopher (sometimes Kristoffer or Kristopher) 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 (phérein), "bear": the "Christ bearer" or "the one who bears Christ (in his soul)". The name originates in the Christian legend of St. Christopher.

As a given, or first name, Christopher has been in use since the 15th 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.

It was frequently the most popular male first name in the United Kingdom, having been in the top twenty since the 1940s. However, the name is most common in England and not so common in Wales, Scotland or Ireland.