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- people in the U.S. have this name Get contact details for people named Christopher Johnson
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 |
English and Scottish: patronymic from the personal name John. As an American family name, Johnson has absorbed patronymics and many other derivatives of this name in continental European languages. (For forms, see Hanks and Hodges 1988.)
| 2nd in the U.S. for 2011 |
Nicknames & variations
Chris, Kris, Kristopher, Topher, Cristine, Crissie
Johnston, John, Johns, Johnsen, Johnstone, Johnny, Johnsrud, Johnnie, Johnsey, Johnso
Top state populations
U.S. Distribution Map
