Surname Christophory - Meaning and Origin
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Christophory: What does the surname Christophory mean?
The last name Christophory is a patronymic surname derived from the masculine Greek given name of Christopher. It is a combination of the Greek prefix of “Christo,” meaning “anointed” or “bearing Christ,” and the Greek suffix of “pherein” or “to bear.” When combined, the name can be translated to mean “bearing Christ.”
The name Christopher is derived from the Greek words christos and phero, which together translate to “bearing Christ.” It was a popular name during the Middle Ages, and variations of the name developed across Europe. Christophory is the historically descriptive version of the name, highlighting its religious connection.
Since the prefix “Christo” is recognized as a short form of the name of Jesus Christ, those who bear the name Christophory are also associated with the idea of being “bearing Jesus." As such, Christophory is seen as an aspirational name that can be viewed as a nod to one’s faith in the Christian religion. It can also be taken as a religious reminder of the commitment to a faith or to the values and principles that Jesus stood for.
Therefore, the last name Christophory carries an array of rich cultural and religious symbolism. It reflects a deep-seated religious belief and can be taken as an outward indication of one’s dedication to practicing the Christian faith. It is a meaningful name that reflects a history and faith connected to Jesus Christ and the essential principles He embodied.
Order DNA origin analysisChristophory: Where does the name Christophory come from?
The last name Christophory is most common in Europe, especially in Central and Eastern Europe. It is derived from the Greek name Christóforos, which means "Christ-bearer." In Germany, the name is spelled as Christophory and can be most commonly found in the southern states as well as in the eastern part of the country. Christophory is also very common in Austria, Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary. In the United States, the name Christophory is most widely recognized in the Midwest and Northeast regions.
The origin of the name Christophory is inextricably linked to early Christian history. The apostole Bartholomew is believed to have come to the area of Kiev carrying the cross; because of this, he is also known as Saint Christopher, or Christóforos in Greek, the name from which Christophory is derived. Since then, the name has been used across much of Eastern and Central Europe, and it is especially common among Orthodox Christians.
Today, Christophory is still a popular name among Eastern Europeans. It is often shortened to the nickname of "Chris" or "Christopher," and can be found in many different spellings throughout Europe and the US. It continues to be used among Orthodox communities, symbolizing the bearer's devotion to God and their heritage. So while it may not be as widely used as it once was, the Christophory name lives on in its many forms and continues to be a symbol of a long-standing tradition.
Variations of the surname Christophory
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Christophory are:
Christoffory, Christffer, Christofur, Christoff, Christophe, Christophor, Cristofary, Christoffel, Christofferson, Cristofer, Christarpher, Cristoferi, Cristofano, Cristoffersen, Cristofferson, Cristofferson, Cristoffersson, Kristofer, Kristoffersson, Kristoffersen, Kristofferson, Krostofer, Krostoffersson, Krostoffersen, and Krostofferson.
Christophory is an Anglo Norman under French influence, and as such its variants originate from the French version of the name ‘Christophe’ which contains its latin roots ‘Christophorus’. Christo is a variant of Christophe which in turn is derived from the Greek ‘Χριστοφορος’, meaning ‘Christ bearer’.
The French spelling was also sometimes Anglicised to the corresponding old English form of the name, such as 'Christoffer’ or ‘Christofor’. The surname is produced by adding a suffix to the base name which can vary with geography and time. The suffix ‘son’, in Norse (Nordic) names indicates possession meaning ‘son of’ and appending the specific base name Christo/Christophe. One variation on this is adding the suffix ‘en’ which reflects a slightly different Soulsund (Latin/Norse) pronunciation, and is a common Danish/Swedish technique.
Additional variants include changing the suffix to ‘el’ or ‘er’ which was more common Germanic practice. Further sources exist for the surname which includes ‘Krystofer’ and ‘Krystoffersson’, which results from the German practice of replacing Latin lettering (‘C’) with the letter ‘K’ during the early 16th century.
The many variants likely arose from the desire to differentiate between individuals with the same base name but from different locations; including language variation, immigration and emigration, combined with misunderstanding and misinterpretation of spellings.
Famous people with the name Christophory
- Joely Richardson: British actress best known for her roles in The Patriot, 101 Dalmatians, Nip/Tuck, and The Affair.
- Patty Duke: American actress best known for her roles in The Miracle Worker, Valley of the Dolls, and The Patty Duke Show.
- John Corbett: American actor best known for his roles in Sex and the City, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Northern Exposure, and Parenthood.
- Justin Walker: American actor best known for his roles in Everwood, Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS: Los Angeles, and The Flash.
- Alexa Davalos: American actress best known for her roles in The Chronicles of Riddick, Feast of Love, Reunion, and Mob City.
- Katerina Graham: American actress and singer best known for her roles in The Vampire Diaries, Hannah Montana, and 17 Again.
- Loretta Devine: American actress best known for her roles in Dreamgirls, Grey’s Anatomy, Girlfriends, and The Carmichael Show.
- Luke Perry: American actor best known for his roles in Beverly Hills, 90210, Oz, and The Fifth Element.
- Bill Nighy: British actor bestknown for his roles in Love Actually, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and Pride & Prejudice.
- Georgia Taylor: British actress best known for her roles in Coronation Street, Waterloo Road, Law & Order: UK, and Casualty.