Christopher traces back to the Greek Χριστοφορος (Christophoros) meaning “bearer of Christ,” composed of the Greek elements Christo (Christ) and phero (to bear, carry). The name was bestowed metaphorically among early Christians “carrying Christ in their hearts.”
However, it would be a 3rd century citizen of the Eastern Roman Empire who would almost single-handedly promote use of this name: Saint Christopher. His story is largely based on legend rather than historical fact, yet he remains one of the most invoked saints of all time.
According to legend, after St. Christopher converted to Christianity in the 3rd century, he looked for a useful way to serve the Lord. A man of great stature and height, St. Christopher decided to help people cross a dangerous river, by carrying and delivering them safely to the other side. One day, a small boy asked the giant man to carry him across the river. St. Christopher hoisted the child upon his shoulders and began to swim the rough rapids. At the river’s midway point, the child suddenly became very heavy so that Christopher could barely manage the crossing. Once to the other side, he inquired of the child, “Who are you?” To which the young boy replied: “I am the Lord whom you serve. You have carried the weight of mankind upon your shoulders.” In other words, as the name Christopher suggests, he literally “carried Christ” across the river.
It is for this reason that St. Christopher would become the patron saint of travelers, invoked especially in times of inclement weather. In more modern times, Christopher has become a guardian of mariners (including surfers), motorists and airline passengers who often carry his emblem for comfort and protection while traveling whilst reciting “Carry me safely to my destined place, like you carried Christ in your close embrace.”
Though this story may seem implausible to us today, let me assure you, medieval folks believed such legends with absolute gusto. He was also a favorite subject among artists of the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
Due to the lack of historical evidence to support Christ’s famous piggy-back ride, the Catholic Church “demoted” Christopher from sainthood in 1969 (under the reformist atmosphere of Vatican II). Undeterred, Catholics around the world continue to invoke the gentle giant; remarkably, his popularity today remains nearly as strong as it was in the Middle Ages. You can read about Christopher here.
As a given name, Christopher can be found throughout the Western World in various ethno-linguistic forms: Christoffel (Dutch), Christopher (English), Christophe (French), Christoph (German), Christie (Irish), Cristoforo (Italian), Christophoros (Greek), Christophorus (Latin), Krzysztof (Polish), Cristóvão (Portuguese), Kester (Scottish), Cristóbal (Spanish), Kristoffer (Scandinavian), Kryštof (Slavic). Diminutives and pet forms include: Chip, Chris, Kit, Kris and Topher.
Among English speakers, Christopher has been in regular use since the 13th century. The name soared in popularity in the mid-20th century and remains a perennial favorite today.
The “Christopher” collection of names (Christopher, Christian, Christine, Christy, Crissy, Kristen, Kirsten, Kiersten, etc., etc.) became so fashionable by the 1960s and 70s, trendiness trumps holiness today. Regardless, one does not have to be Catholic (or even religious) to appreciate the beauty of Christopher’s etymological origins and noteworthy story – and we can pretty much thank the 3rd century “Christ-carrying” saint for the name’s survival.
Notable name bearers include Italian explorer Christopher Columbus (1451-1506), English playwright Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593), acclaimed English architect Christopher Wren (1632-1723), American trailblazer Christopher "Kit" Carson (1809-1868) and the beloved fictional character Christopher Robin from A. A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh series of children’s books.
3 comments
I never knew so much history was related to this name , that i myself
Obtain ! I thank my deceast Parents foe this esteamed privlage
And hope to be more worthery of it in the remaining years of my life ! If I had the time to explain , my
Experiences with the Paranormal and continues encounters ? Where the result should have been (Death ? only to have survived again ?)
Has caused me now to beleive "We all have a mission on earth while were here ? And while i must admit
Had I had a choice in how that may have turned out ,up until now ?
I probably would never have beleived what i know now to be possible! As their are many things in this world , that are unexplained
And put aside by todays society as being on the fringe or worse! Due to the uncomfortability it has on those that wish it to begone so they may maintain their controle over others !
I’ve always felt it was something very symbolically deep with my name. And I’ve even felt the weight of mankind upon my soul feeling like My creator made me in a likeness of my own because of how spiritually fit I am even In the midst of modern day pandemic. As I know how to hold my faith and let it lift my spirits, I use to hold the gas station door for nearly everyone that came in and out of sunoco on 13th and Madison in covington Kentucky awhile speaking to everyone giving them compliments making them smile and carrying a shining smiling spirit in which it eventually started wearing off on people. And people started smiling again and slowly letting go of the thought of us being close to the rapture or the end of times… And the whole time I was living in a crisis as well just getting out of jail my kids mother married another guy and moving a half a states distance away, I was homeless poor and sick being I was an active drug chasing addict but none of that occurred to me once I realized the people in my city needed a jump start to uplift the hearts and pull then together… When I realized I was like a beacon of hope at that time a woman came to me and asked me why was I so kind and joyful because she could see right in my eyes of the very pain I held deep inside that people below average memorabilia patience and an adapting mentality would have possibly commited suicide or a serious of homicides to cope with whatever the mind is defying. And as she opened up my heart a little more I started to cry and I couldn’t stand there any longer so I ran to my tent and began to indulge in a binge of drug usage again… This story literally gives me insight on my name and my purpose… I am grateful to hear of this story when I used to think it was something wrong with me but now I know that it’s the unconditionally loving heart that The Creator Has Blessed me with. I ingest the light I don’t let anything of the word or feeling hate lay inside my heart for a second I am always swaying off negative energy and keeping the peace as strong as I live for The Most High and Mother Nature in conscious unison with me as the son and the holy spirit because it had to start with Mother and Father was the one that carried Her wait while she was bearing child.
But my opinion and interest in this St’s life and message. Thank you all dearly it means alot to me considering just following my instinct as I held my 22 week old son born not fully developed due to the placenta separating from a domestic dispute between me and the mother, I held him for 45 minutes as he snuggled into my arm and chest even with the littlest smile…As he took His last BREATH, I said to him, “As my first born son that I get to meet and near instantly have to send you back to The Creator, You will be called St. Christopher Sir Jeremy Sargent The 1st, since I am Christopher Jeremy Sargent no Saint no Sr.” He was My sadness and my Saviour at the same time… Now I can smile knowing that my son was born St. Christopher Sir. Jeremy Sargent The 1st. In The Name Of My Mother My Father And My Son I Pray . Halle Allu Yah
Amen.
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