Christopher: Christian name meaning and origin

Meaning

Greek "Christ-bearer" (Christos + phoros).

Figure

Saint Christopher; legendary third-century martyr; the giant who carried the Christ Child across a river.

Feast day

July 25 (Catholic, traditionally; removed from the General Roman Calendar in 1969 but still observed in many places); May 9 (Orthodox)

Traditions

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In the Christian tradition

Christopher is the Greek "Christ-bearer," the name and figure of legendary tradition whose carrying of the Christ Child across a river made him the patron saint of travelers. Though the historical figure is doubtful (and his July 25 feast was removed from the General Roman Calendar in 1969), the devotion to Saint Christopher has continued in Catholic and Orthodox tradition.

The name Christopher (Greek Christophoros, "Christ-bearer") is itself a theological statement: every Christian, in early Christian devotional reading, was understood as a Christ-bearer in their own life. The legendary figure of Saint Christopher (a giant who carried the Christ Child across a river, finding the child progressively heavier as the world's sins came to rest on him) shaped medieval and modern Catholic devotion. Though Saint Christopher's historical existence is doubted by modern scholarship and his July 25 feast was removed from the General Roman Calendar in 1969, devotion to him as patron of travelers continues; many Catholic drivers carry Saint Christopher medals. The Orthodox calendar continues to honor Saint Christopher on May 9. The name has been in continuous Christian use; modern English-speaking Christian families use it freely.