Holding steady, #1,609 for boys today.
Popularity of Cristobal since 1908
Babies named Cristobal per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 8 |
| 1910s | 63 |
| 1920s | 168 |
| 1930s | 150 |
| 1940s | 152 |
| 1950s | 235 |
| 1960s | 341 |
| 1970s | 649 |
| 1980s | 901 |
| 1990s | 1,349 |
| 2000s | 1,858 |
| 2010s | 1,385 |
| 2020s | 731 |
Meaning & origin
Cristobal is the Spanish form of Christopher, a name with deep religious roots meaning 'bearer of Christ.' Recorded in U.S. data since 1908, the name has maintained a steady presence. Its peak year was 2001, and as of 2025 it ranks 1609 with a frequency of 1 in 16,267 boys. The name is most common in Arizona, Texas, and California, reflecting its Hispanic heritage. Despite a stable trajectory, Cristobal remains a distinctive choice that honors tradition without being overly common.
Cristobal is the Spanish form of Christopher, which derives from the Greek name Christophoros, meaning 'bearer of Christ.' The name has been in use since the early Christian era, notably through Saint Christopher. In the Spanish-speaking world, Cristobal has been a traditional given name for centuries, reflecting strong religious devotion.
Where Cristobal is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cris, Tobal, Cristo, Topo
Variants: Cristóbal, Cristoval, Cristoforo
Sibling names for Cristobal
Names that share Cristobal's style, for a brother or sister.
