Meaning: Its source is Kristophoros, a Greek name meaning "Christ carrier."

Popularity: The name Cristopher ranked 574th in popularity for males of all ages in a sample of 2000-2003 Social Security Administration statistics and 1153rd in popularity for males of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

Though this name appears on the 1990 U.S. Census lists, it is used by only a small percentage of the general population.

Narrative: According to Christian legend, St. Christopher carried the child Jesus across a river on his shoulders. This legend may have evolved from the name itself.

Some authorities intepret its meaning as ''Christ within'' -- that is, carried within the heart of the believer.