Christopher

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈkɹɪs.tÉ™.fÉ™(ɹ)/
• US IPA: /ˈkɹɪs.tÉ™.fÉš/

Origin

From Ancient Greek Χριστόφορος ("Christ-bearing"). The meaning of the name suggested the legend of St. Christopher carrying the Christ child across water.

Full definition of Christopher

Proper noun

1. .
• 1594 William Shakespeare: The Taming of the Shrew: Induction, Scene II:Am not I Christopher Sly, old Sly's son, of Burtonheath; by birth a pedlar, by education a card-maker, by transmutation a bear-herd, and now by present profession a tinker?
• 1934 Dorothy L. Sayers, The Nine Tailors:- - - a baby, which also happened to fall due, was baptized "Paul" ( for the church ) "Christopher" ( because St. Christopher had to do with rivers and ferries ), the Rector strenuously resisting the parents' desire to call it "Van Weyden Flood".

Related terms

• diminutives: Chris, Christie, Chip, Kit
• variants: Kester, Kristopher
• feminine forms: Christine