Origin & Meaning of the Christopher Surname
What does the last name Christopher mean?
The surname Christopher carries the meaning "One who does." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 29,067 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Christopher ranks as the #1,214 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Christopher come from?
The Christopher surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Christopher name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Christopher trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Christopher |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,214 |
| US Count (2010) | 29,067 |
| Per 100K People | 9.85 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Christopher
According to the US Census, the Christopher surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 29,067 Americans with the Christopher last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 73.71% |
| Black | 18.9% |
| Hispanic | 3.45% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.27% |
| Native American | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 2.17% |
Popularity of Christopher Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Christopher surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Christopher surname increased by 574 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Christopher Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Christopher ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Christopher
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Christopher.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Christopher.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christopher
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Christopher surname also look for: