The name Christopher comes from the Greek words Christos and pherein, together giving the words Christ-bearer. Whether the meaning was symbolic or referring to a specific Christopher who carried Jesus across a river, Saint Christoper is now the patron saint of travelers (which explains his image hanging on so many rear-view mirrors).
The name Christopher is often shortened in English to Chris, although other shortened versions exist for men and women in English and in many other languages, with the C often changed to a K (as in Kris or Kristof).
The name Christopher has dropped from the 6th place in 2007 to the 9th place in the list of the most common boys' names in the US in 2008.
2009 Update:
After over 40 years in the Top 10 list, Christopher has left the list in 2009. It is currently the 11th most popular name in the US.
2010 Update:
The name continues to decline in popularity. It is now at number 13.
