Declining since 1988, #3,583 for boys today.
Popularity of Kristofer since 1945
Babies named Kristofer per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 12 |
| 1950s | 68 |
| 1960s | 247 |
| 1970s | 1,893 |
| 1980s | 2,795 |
| 1990s | 2,611 |
| 2000s | 1,359 |
| 2010s | 605 |
| 2020s | 201 |
Meaning & origin
Kristofer is the Scandinavian spelling of the classic Christopher, a name whose religious roots have kept it in steady use across Europe for centuries. In the United States, it first appeared on the birth records in 1945 and climbed to its peak popularity in 1978. Since 1988 its usage has been falling, and by 2025 the name ranked 3,583, with only about 1 in 55,099 boys receiving it. While it has never been among the top U.S. names, Kristofer retains a distinctively Nordic charm that sets it apart from the more common English Christopher. Parents drawn to Scandinavian heritage often pair Kristofer with other regionally styled sibling names.
Kristofer is the Scandinavian form of Christopher, derived from the Greek name Christophoros (Χριστόφορος), meaning "bearing Christ" or "Christ-bearer." The name spread through Christianity in honor of Saint Christopher, the legendary third-century martyr who became the patron saint of travelers. In Scandinavia, Kristofer has been used since the Middle Ages, with early bearers including several medieval kings of Denmark and Norway.
Where Kristofer 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: Kris, Kipp, Chris, Topher
Variants: Christopher, Christoffer, Kester
Sibling names for Kristofer
Names that share Kristofer's style, for a brother or sister.
