The name Christopher has its origins in Greek. It is derived from the Greek name Χριστόφορος (Christóforos), which is a combination of the words Χριστός (Christós) meaning "Christ" and φέρειν (phérein) meaning "to bear" or "to carry". Therefore, the name Christopher can be interpreted as "bearer of Christ" or "one who carries Christ".

In Christian tradition, Christopher is associated with the story of Saint Christopher, a martyr who lived during the 3rd century. According to legend, Christopher was a tall and strong man who served as a ferryman, helping people cross a dangerous river. One day, he carried a child across the river, who revealed himself as Jesus Christ. This story led to Christopher being regarded as the patron saint of travelers and a protector against dangers.

The popularity of the name Christopher spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, primarily due to the veneration of Saint Christopher. It became particularly popular in English-speaking countries during the 16th century and has remained a common name ever since.

References:

1. Behind the Name: Christopher
2. Wikipedia: Christopher (name)