Christopher Surname Meaning & Origin
What the Christopher last name means, where the surname began and how it spread.
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Meaning and origin of the Christopher last name
Meaning of the Christopher last name: bearer of Christ. Christopher is an English and Welsh surname from the first name, from Greek Christophoros, "one who carries Christ". The last name usually marks descent from a man called Christopher. Curiously, medieval people believed a glance at St Christopher kept them safe from sudden death, so his image was painted facing church doors.
Arms associated with the Christopher name
Heraldry linked with the Christopher surname uses a few strong colours, and each coat of arms has its own blazon.
Get your full Christopher family history
This is only a glimpse of the Christopher story. The full Christopher history report goes much deeper into where the name began, who carried it and how the family spread, and it comes with a museum-style painted Christopher coat of arms. Get the full Christopher report.
Christopher name FAQ
What does the Christopher name mean?
Bearer of Christ. Common variants include Christophers.
Where does the Christopher surname come from?
It originates in England, and is also found in Wales, the United States and Australia.
Is there a Christopher coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals rather than to everyone with a surname. Herald Lab paints a personalized Christopher coat of arms in museum style, based on historic heraldry.
Sources: Reaney & Wilson, Dictionary of English Surnames; Dictionary of American Family Names (Oxford).