- 1,222
- people in the U.S. have this name Get contact details for people named Christopher Hayes
Meaning & Origins
From the Greek name Khristophoros, from Khristos ‘Christ’ + pherein ‘to bear’. This was popular among early Christians, conscious of the fact that they were metaphorically bearing Christ in their hearts. A later, over-literal interpretation of the name gave rise to the legend of a saint who actually bore the Christ-child over a stream; he is regarded as the patron of travellers. In England the name was uncommon in the Middle Ages, but became very popular in the 16th century, especially in parts of the North.
| 22nd in the U.S. for 2011 |
Irish: reduced Anglicized form of Gaelic Ó hAodha ‘descendant of Aodh’, a personal name meaning ‘fire’ (compare McCoy). In some cases, especially in County Wexford, the surname is of English origin (see below), having been taken to Ireland by the Normans.
| 114th in the U.S. for 2011 |
Nicknames & variations
Chris, Kris, Kristopher, Topher, Cristine, Crissie
Hawes, Hayek, Haye, Hayer, Hayen, Hayenga, Hayez, Hayeck, Hayess, Hayens
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