Find out how popular the first name Kristofer has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kristofer by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Kristofer is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 28 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kristofer.

The history of the first name Kristofer

The name Kristofer has its origins in the ancient Greek language and culture, with the first known use dating back to the 1st century AD. It is derived from the Greek words "Christos" meaning "anointed" and "phero" meaning "to bear" or "to bring". The name essentially translates to "bearer of Christ" or "one who brings Christ".

The name gained widespread popularity during the early days of Christianity, as it was often given to those who were seen as devoted followers of Christ or those who played a significant role in spreading the Christian faith. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the writings of the early Christian theologian and philosopher, Origen of Alexandria, who lived in the 3rd century AD.

In the 4th century, the name was borne by Saint Christopher, a legendary figure venerated in Christianity as the patron saint of travelers and those seeking protection during journeys. According to legend, Saint Christopher was a tall and strong man who assisted travelers in crossing a treacherous river, and on one occasion, he carried a child who revealed himself to be Christ, hence the name's meaning of "bearer of Christ".

Throughout history, several notable figures have carried the name Kristofer. In the 12th century, Kristofer of Bavaria was a prominent Benedictine monk and scholar known for his contributions to the study of theology and philosophy. During the Renaissance era, Kristofer Kolumbus, better known as Christopher Columbus, was the famous Italian explorer who is credited with the European discovery of the Americas in 1492.

In the 17th century, Kristofer Wren, an English architect, mathematician, and astronomer, was responsible for redesigning many of the churches in London after the Great Fire of 1666, including the iconic St. Paul's Cathedral. Another well-known bearer of the name was Kristofer Marlowe, an English playwright, poet, and translator of the Elizabethan era, who is considered one of the greatest dramatists of all time.

In more recent history, Kristofer Nolan, born in 1970, is a renowned American filmmaker known for his critically acclaimed movies such as "Inception", "Interstellar", and "The Dark Knight" trilogy. Kristofer Walken, born in 1943, is an acclaimed American actor and dancer, known for his distinctive voice and roles in films such as "The Deer Hunter", "Catch Me If You Can", and "Hairspray".

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Kristofer was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Kristofer, please contact us.

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