Christopher comes from the Greek Christophoros, "bearing Christ." It was spread by the legend of Saint Christopher, who carried a child across a river and found he was carrying Christ, which is why he became the patron saint of travelers. The name has been common in English since the Middle Ages and was among the most popular boys' names in the U.S. for much of the late 20th century.
Most Christophers become Chris, and that's where many nickname lists stop. But the name has older and more interesting options. Kit was the everyday nickname for the Elizabethan playwright Christopher Marlowe, and later for the frontiersman Christopher "Kit" Carson. Topher takes the other half of the name, famously worn by the actor Topher Grace. In Ireland, Christy has long been a familiar short form, as with the singer Christy Moore, and Kester is an old English and Scottish form that has almost disappeared.
The names below are grouped from the most familiar to the most unusual, followed by the forms Christopher takes in other languages. If you're naming a baby Christopher and want to skip the Chris default, Kit and Topher are the two to try out loud first.
Chris and Kris
The first syllable, used by nearly every Christopher at some point.
- ChrisThe standard short form. Friendly, easy and familiar.
- KrisThe K spelling of Chris. Sleek and a little different.
Kit, Topher and Christy
Distinctive nicknames with real history behind them.
- KitChristopher Marlowe and Kit Carson both went by Kit. Short, lively and gender-neutral.
- TopherThe second half of the name. Topher Grace was born Christopher.
- ChristyA traditional Irish short form, as with the singer Christy Moore.
- KesterAn old English and Scottish form. Very rare today, and quietly charming.
Christopher in other languages
The forms Christopher takes across Europe.
- ChristophThe German form.
- ChristopheThe French form.
- CristóbalThe Spanish form, as in Cristóbal Colón, Christopher Columbus.
- CristoforoThe Italian form.
- KristófThe Hungarian form.
- StoffelA Dutch and German pet form of Christoffel.
Choosing a Christopher nickname
- Chris is shared with Christine, Christian and Christina, so Kit or Topher can help a Christopher stand out.
- Kit is gender-neutral and has a playful, literary feel. It works on a child and an adult.
- Topher can feel unexpected at first, so try it out loud with the last name before committing.
- If there's Irish family on either side, Christy is a traditional choice with real roots.
Common questions
What is the most common nickname for Christopher?
Chris, by a long way. Kit and Topher are the best-known alternatives.
Why is Kit a nickname for Christopher?
Kit has been used as a short form of Christopher for centuries. The playwright Christopher Marlowe and the frontiersman Christopher Carson were both known as Kit.
Is Topher a real nickname for Christopher?
Yes. It takes the end of the name instead of the start. The actor Topher Grace, born Christopher Grace, is the best-known example.
What does Christopher mean?
It comes from the Greek Christophoros, meaning "bearing Christ."