International Variations of Christopher
One of the most popular staples of the last several decades, classic Christopher is rich with history and religious significance.
There are several handsome variations of Christopher used across the globe, ranging from Kristoff which was especially familiarized through Disney's Frozen, as well as numerous rare options like Scottish Kester, Finnish Risto, and Spanish Cristobal.
Here is our full list of international variations of Christopher, ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry.
RELATED:
- Kit
Origin:
English, diminutive of ChristopherMeaning:
"bearer of Christ"Description:
Actor Kit Harington, aka the dreamy Jon Snow on Game of Thrones, has given this nickname-name new style and appeal for boys. Actress Jodie Foster used it for her son back in the 2000s, while actor Kit Connor of Heartstopper fame may have introduced it to a wider audience.
- Christopher
Origin:
Greek and LatinMeaning:
"bearer of Christ"Description:
Christopher derived from the Greek Christophoros, which is composed of the elements Christos, referring to Christ, and phero, meaning "to bear."
- Topher
Origin:
Diminutive of ChristopherDescription:
The new kid on the block in terms of Christopher short forms, it was introduced into the mix by actor Topher Grace, who didn't like Chris.
- Kester
Origin:
Scottish form of ChristopherMeaning:
"one who carries Christ"Description:
Nearly unknown outside the British Isles, this old Scottish variation has a sleek surname feel that can make an excellent update of the flagging Christopher.
- Críostóir
Description:
Críostóir is the traditional Irish Gaelic form of Christopher, a masculine name with deep historical roots in Ireland. Derived from the Greek name Christophoros, meaning 'Christ-bearer,' it reflects Ireland's strong Christian heritage. The pronunciation (approximately 'KREE-stoor' or 'KREE-stoh-ir') features the distinct phonetics of the Irish language. While uncommon outside Ireland, it represents an important element of Irish cultural identity and language preservation. Throughout Irish history, the name has been used to honor Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travelers. Today, Críostóir is chosen by families with strong connections to Irish heritage and those who wish to celebrate the Irish language through traditional naming practices.
- Christoph
Description:
Christoph is the German and Dutch form of Christopher, derived from the Greek 'Christophoros' meaning 'bearing Christ.' This masculine name carries significant historical and religious weight across European cultures. While Christopher remains widely used in English-speaking countries, Christoph offers a more continental European flair without straying far from the familiar original. The name has maintained steady popularity in German-speaking countries like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Christoph projects an image of reliability and strength while its international recognition makes it practical across different cultures. The name balances traditional roots with a slightly distinctive quality that sets it apart from the more common Christopher.
- Christie
Origin:
Scottish and Irish diminutive of ChristopherMeaning:
"bearer of Christ"Description:
Kit and Topher are the Christopher nicknames du jour, thanks to actors Harington and Grace. But now that Chris is feeling less ubiquitous, this jaunty Scottish and Irish short form has a certain charm.
- Kristof
Origin:
Slavic variation of Christopher, Greek and LatinMeaning:
"bearer of Christ"Description:
Attractive attenuated form of the popular Christopher, well used throughout Europe, appearing as Christophe in France and Christoph in Germany.
- Christophe
Description:
Christophe is the French variation of Christopher, a masculine name with Greek origins meaning 'bearer of Christ.' This elegant form maintains the name's connection to Saint Christopher, the legendary patron saint of travelers who, according to tradition, carried the Christ child across a dangerous river. Popular throughout French-speaking regions including France, Canada, Haiti, and parts of Switzerland, Christophe combines classical roots with Gallic sophistication. While it shares the meaning and heritage of Christopher, the French pronunciation (krees-TOFF) and spelling give it a distinctive continental flair. The name has maintained steady popularity in Francophone countries, appreciated for its cultural richness and timeless appeal.
- Kristoff
Description:
Kristoff is a masculine name of Slavic and Scandinavian origin, serving as a variation of Christopher, which means 'bearer of Christ' from the Greek 'Christophoros'. The name gained significant recognition in modern popular culture through the character Kristoff in Disney's 'Frozen' films. Before this exposure, the name was more commonly found in Northern European countries, particularly in Russia, Norway, and Sweden. Kristoff has a strong, distinctive sound while maintaining a friendly accessibility. While not among the most common names in English-speaking countries, it offers families a slightly unique alternative to the more traditional Christopher, with the same meaningful religious connection but a more distinctive Nordic flair.
- Stoffel
Description:
Stoffel is a masculine name of Dutch and Afrikaans origin, functioning as a diminutive form of Christoffel, the Dutch version of Christopher. The name ultimately derives from Greek elements meaning 'bearing Christ.' Stoffel has been used for centuries in the Netherlands, Belgium, and South Africa, where it often serves as both a given name and a familiar nickname. In South African culture, the name gained additional recognition through Stoffel the honey badger, a famous animal known for his repeated escapes from enclosures. The name carries a friendly, approachable quality while maintaining its traditional roots. Though uncommon outside Dutch-speaking regions, Stoffel offers a distinctive alternative to the more widely used Christopher, with a warm, familiar sound that balances uniqueness and accessibility.
- Risto
Origin:
Finnish variation of ChristopherMeaning:
"bearer of Christ"Description:
A lively and charming nickname for Christopher — more modern than Chris.
- Kitson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Kit; son of Christopher"Description:
A surname-style name which could work as a contemporary route to nickname Kit or as a modern way to honor a Christopher, Christian, Christina, or similar. Meaning "son of Kit" or "son of Christopher", it ultimately comes from the Greek Christophoros meaning "bearer of Christ".
- Kristo
Description:
Kristo is a masculine name with roots in several European cultures, particularly in Finnish, Estonian, and Slavic regions. It is a variation of Christopher, ultimately derived from the Greek 'Christophoros,' meaning 'bearing Christ.' This more compact form maintains the essence of the original while offering a distinctive international flair. Kristo has been consistently used in Eastern European and Baltic countries, appreciated for its strong, clear sound and cross-cultural adaptability. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, its straightforward pronunciation and spelling make it accessible. The name carries spiritual significance for Christian families while also appealing to parents seeking a name with both cultural depth and contemporary simplicity.
- Krzysztof
Origin:
Polish, from GreekMeaning:
"bearer of Christ"Description:
The Polish form of Christopher.
- Christofel
Description:
Christofel is a masculine name of Dutch origin, representing a variation of Christopher, which derives from the Greek words 'Christos' (Christ) and 'phero' (to bear), meaning "bearer of Christ." This uncommon variant has historical usage particularly in Netherlands and other Dutch-speaking regions. While not widely used in the English-speaking world, Christofel carries a distinguished, classical quality with international appeal. The name shares the rich Christian heritage of its root name, which became popular during the Middle Ages due to the veneration of Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travelers. Christofel offers an intriguing alternative for parents seeking a name with traditional roots but distinctive presentation.
- Khristos
Description:
Khristos is a masculine name of Greek origin, representing a variant spelling of Christos (Χριστός), which means "anointed one" in Greek. This name directly relates to the Greek title for Jesus Christ, where "Christos" was the Greek translation of the Hebrew word "Messiah." The spelling with 'Kh' emphasizes the Greek heritage and traditional pronunciation, where the initial sound is more guttural than the common English 'Ch' sound. While relatively uncommon as a given name in Western countries, it is used in Greek Orthodox communities and among families with Greek heritage. The name carries deep religious significance while connecting its bearer to ancient Greek culture and language traditions. Khristos projects dignity, spiritual depth, and cultural richness.
- Crist
Description:
Crist is a compact masculine name with deep religious and historical roots. It's a shortened form of Christ or Cristo, ultimately derived from the Greek 'Christos' meaning 'anointed one.' While uncommon as a first name in English-speaking countries, it has been used historically in various European regions, particularly those with strong Christian traditions. In some contexts, it may also be a variant spelling of the surname Christ. The name carries strong religious associations due to its connection to Jesus Christ in Christian tradition. As a given name, Crist has remained rare, likely due to its sacred associations in many cultures, though it occasionally appears in communities with strong religious identities.
- Krystof
Description:
Krystof is a masculine name that serves as a Central European variant of Christopher, particularly popular in Czech and Polish cultures. Derived from the Greek 'Christophoros' meaning 'bearing Christ,' Krystof maintains the name's Christian heritage while featuring the distinctive Slavic spelling pattern. In the Czech Republic, the name has enjoyed consistent popularity, particularly during the 20th century. Krystof offers a cosmopolitan alternative to the more common Christopher while still being recognizable internationally. The distinctive 'K' beginning and 'f' ending give the name a strong, distinguished quality. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Krystof has maintained steady usage in Central Europe, appealing to parents seeking a name with both traditional roots and a distinctive international flair.
- Christofferson
Description:
Christofferson is a patronymic surname that has evolved into occasional use as a masculine given name. Derived from the Norse name 'Kristoffer' (Christopher) plus 'son,' meaning 'son of Christopher,' it reflects Scandinavian naming traditions. This name carries an inherent sense of heritage and legacy, honoring ancestral connections. As a first name, Christofferson remains relatively uncommon, appealing to parents seeking distinctive names with historical roots. It offers the friendly nickname options 'Chris' or 'Toff,' while maintaining a formal, distinguished quality in its full form. The name conveys strength and tradition, with its multi-syllabic structure lending a certain gravitas to those who bear it.