Christof
A boy's name of German origin with 59 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
a male given name, a less common variant of Christoph, equivalent to English Christopher
Christof is a boy's baby name of German origin, a variant of Christoph, the German and Dutch form of Christopher, from Greek Christophoros meaning 'bearer of Christ.' Saint Christopher, the legendary giant who carried the Christ child across a river, is the patron saint of travelers.
Used across Central Europe, Christof carries the same deep faith and history as Christopher in a more Continental, streamlined form.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Christof is a boy's name with several decades of recorded use (1970–2015). Its German roots connect it to a broader naming tradition, but in practice, American usage often reshapes names — adding nicknames, shifting pronunciation, and building new associations that diverge from the original cultural context.
With 59 total births, Christof exists at the edges of the American naming landscape — a name known primarily to the families who carry it, giving it an intensely personal character.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Christof has 10+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1970.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 10 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 18 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 26 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 5 | — |
The Story of Christof
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 1998, Christof is a name that defines a generation. Boys named Christof are most likely born between 1988 and 2008.
How rare is Christof?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Christof is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1970, peaked in the 1990s with 26 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Christof by the numbers
- Would fill 1 school bus
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(10 years, 1970–2015)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 5 | #12419 |
| 2010 | 5 | #12581 |
| 2005 | 5 | #11754 |
| 2002 | 7 | #8614 |
| 2001 | 6 | #9464 |
| 1999 | 6 | #8889 |
| 1998 | 8 | #6957 |
| 1997 | 7 | #7419 |
| 1993 | 5 | #8941 |
| 1970 | 5 | #4822 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Christof a boy's or girl's name?
When was Christof most popular?
How popular is the name Christof?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1970–2015