- 4,110
- people in the U.S. have this name Get contact details for people named Christopher Martin
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, Scottish, Irish, French, Dutch, German, Czech, Slovak, Spanish (Martín), Italian (Venice), etc.: from a personal name (Latin Martinus, a derivative of Mars, genitive Martis, the Roman god of fertility and war, whose name may derive ultimately from a root mar ‘gleam’). This was borne by a famous 4th-century saint, Martin of Tours, and consequently became extremely popular throughout Europe in the Middle Ages. As a North American surname, this form has absorbed many cognates from other European forms.
| 15th in the U.S. for 2011 |
Nicknames & variations
Chris, Kris, Kristopher, Topher, Cristine, Crissie
Martinez, Morton, Martino, Martens, Martell, Martins, Martel, Martinson, Martindale, Martz
Top state populations
U.S. Distribution Map
