Surname Christoff - Meaning and Origin
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Christoff: What does the surname Christoff mean?
The last name Christoff is derived from the Greek word Christos, meaning "The Anointed One" or Messiah. Christoff is a given name in several cultures, including Greek, Jewish, Dutch, and Russian. It originates from the Latin 'Christophorus', which means "Christ-bearer".
In Christianity, Christoff is used to refer to Jesus Christ. Within the Greek Orthodox Church, the name is connected to St. Christopher, the saint who carried a child across a river and is the patron saint of travelers. In the Jewish faith, it is thought to be an anglicized form of the Hebrew name Meshullam, meaning “to uphold” or “to sustain”.
Those with the surname Christoff may have originated in Russia, a country that has close ties to the Orthodox Church. It is not uncommon to hear the name Christoff in Russia, as it is widely used as a first name.
Christoff can also be found as a surname in the Netherlands, where it is derived from the Middle Dutch “Christoffel”, a personal name that is also derived from the word “Christos”.
Klinger, an Austrian-German surname is a variation of Christoff. The surname is thought to have derived from the German term "glügyer", which means a "tinker" or "metalworker".
Ultimately, the surname Christoff is steeped in history, connecting its holders to greater cultures and faiths. It is a strong name, made even stronger by the individual who carries it.
Order DNA origin analysisChristoff: Where does the name Christoff come from?
The last name Christoff is most commonly found in central and eastern Europe, particularly in countries such as Poland, Romania, Ukraine, Belarus, Armenia, and Russia. It is also found in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. In the United States, the name is most common in cities like New York City, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles.
Interestingly, the name Christoff is derived from the name Christopher, a popular name in many areas of Europe. The surname is related and shares its origins with the words Christian, Christiansson, and Krystoff. It is common for the root of the name to become attached to the suffix, creating variations like Krystoffson or Kristoffersson.
The meaning of the name is usually given as one who “bears Christ” or “carries Christ”, referencing Christ's role as a messenger of God. Today, this religious symbolism remains, although at times, the name is given as homage to an ancestor.
Overall, the surname Christoff can be found in many areas of the world, with its core origin in central and eastern Europe. It is a well-known name that has held religious significance for centuries and continues to be given today.
Variations of the surname Christoff
The surname Christoff is of German and Scandinavian origin and is thought to be derived from the Christian name Christopher. The variations, spellings and surnames of the same origin include:
Kristoff – This is the most common variant of Christoff and is found most frequently in Germany and Scandinavia.
Christoph – Variations of the name can include the spelling Cristof, Kristof, Cristoff, Christoff, Christiansen, Christian, Christophe, and Kristoffersen.
Christofferson – This is a variation of Christoff frequently found in Scandinavia.
Kristoffersen – Variations of the name can include Kristoffersen, Kristofferson, Kristofer, and Kristoffr.
Christophsen – Variations of the name can include Cristoph, Kristoffr, Kristoph, Christoff, and Cristof.
Christian – Variations of Christian could include Kristian, Kristiansen, Christiansen, Christofferson, Christoph, and Kristof.
Christopher – Variations of the name Christopher can include Cristofer, Christophe, Christophersen, Christoffersen, Christoff, and Kristoff.
Christiansen – Variations of Christiansen could include Christiansen, Christof, Christophsen, Cristofsen, Kristoffsen, and Kristofferson.
Christoffer – Variations of Christoffer could include Christoffer, Kristoffer, Kirstoffer, Cristof, Kristof, Christoff, and Kristoffersen.
Christoffel – This is another variation of Christoff which can also include the spelling Christoffel, Kristoffel, Cristoffel, and Kristoffersen.
Kristian – Variations of Kristian could include Christian, Kristiansen, Christoffersen, Cristofsen, and Kristofferson.
Overall, Christoff is a surname of German and Scandinavian origin and its variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include: Kristoff, Christoph, Christofferson, Kristoffersen, Christophsen, Christian, Christopher, Christiansen, Christoffer, Christoffel, and Kristian.
Famous people with the name Christoff
- Peter Christoff: a baritone opera singer from Bulgaria, who has had a prolific international career in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
- Harry Christoff: a American singer-songwriter best known for his collaborations with artist Jay-Z and the rap group Young Money.
- Joy Christoff: a noted American actress who gained fame for her roles on Broadway and in television, including a starring role on the hit TV series “Glee”.
- Anna Christoff: a Swedish actress who is best known for her appearances in television shows such as “Law & Order”, “Scrubs”, and “CSI”.
- Yuri Christoff: a Russian businessman and diplomat who served as the Russian Ambassador to the United States from 1996 to 1998.
- Nathan Christoff: an American film producer who has been behind a variety of projects ranging from the sci-fi epic “Elysium” to the family comedy “Matilda”.
- Boris Christoff: a Bulgarian opera singer and one of the best interpreters of Russian bass roles, who sang at the Metropolitan Opera for more than 25 years in the mid-20th century.
- Alexander Christoff: a Macedonian artist and architect, best known for his stained glass windows and mosaics crafted for churches across Eastern Europe in the late 19th and early 20th century.
- Bill Christoff: an American professional baseball player who played briefly for the Kansas City Royals in the late 1980s.
- Matthew Christoff: an American actor best known for his role as the lovable simpleton "Herbie" on the television sitcom “Growing Pains”.