Declining since 1995, #6,446 for boys today.
Popularity of Christoph since 1952
Babies named Christoph per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 64 |
| 1960s | 249 |
| 1970s | 190 |
| 1980s | 148 |
| 1990s | 189 |
| 2000s | 163 |
| 2010s | 129 |
| 2020s | 60 |
Meaning & origin
Christoph is a German form of Christopher that has been in steady but modest use in the United States since its first recorded appearance in 1952. The name reached its highest popularity in 1971, but has been gradually declining since 1995. With a current incidence of about 1 in 131,390 newborns in 2025 and a ranking of 6,446, Christoph remains a relatively uncommon choice. It has not been strongly associated with any particular state, appearing evenly across the country. The name's enduring appeal lies in its classic Christian heritage and its crisp, international sound, appealing to families with German or broader European roots.
Christoph is a German form of Christopher, derived from the Greek name Christophoros, meaning 'bearer of Christ' (from Christos 'Christ' and phero 'to bear, to carry'). The name gained popularity in Christian contexts due to the legendary Saint Christopher, a martyr who was said to have carried the Christ child across a river. In German-speaking countries, Christoph has been in use since the Middle Ages and remains a common given name.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Chris, Kris, Topf, Stoffel
Variants: Christopher, Krystof, Christophe
Sibling names for Christoph
Names that share Christoph's style, for a brother or sister.
