Declining since 1986.
Popularity of Christophe since 1929
Babies named Christophe per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 5 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 190 |
| 1950s | 2,354 |
| 1960s | 626 |
| 1970s | 409 |
| 1980s | 370 |
| 1990s | 259 |
| 2000s | 147 |
| 2010s | 83 |
| 2020s | 33 |
Meaning & origin
Christophe, the French form of Christopher, meaning 'bearer of Christ,' has been used in France since the Middle Ages and enjoyed a peak in popularity in the United States in 1955. Since 1986, its usage has been steadily declining; it last appeared in the top 1000 in recent decades. Despite its fall from fashion, the name retains a classic European charm, particularly through its association with Saint Christopher. With no top states maintaining strong usage today, Christophe remains a distinctive choice for parents seeking a traditional yet uncommon name.
Christophe is the French form of Christopher, from the Greek name Christophoros, meaning 'bearing Christ' (from Christos 'Christ' and phero 'to bear, carry'). The name was popular among early Christians, associated with Saint Christopher, a legendary third-century martyr who carried the infant Jesus across a river. In France, it has been a common given name since the Middle Ages, with a peak in popularity during the 1950s.
“Christophe” around the world
Where Christophe lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Quebec
16
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Chris, Tof, Christo
Variants: Christopher
Sibling names for Christophe
Names that share Christophe's style, for a brother or sister.
