Cris Unisex

Popularity: #924 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KRIS //krɪs//

Origin: Latin; Greek

Meaning: Latin: bearer of Christ; Greek: Christ-like

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Cris is derived from the Latin name "Christianus," which means "follower of Christ." This term evolved from the Greek word "Christianos," itself stemming from "Christos," meaning "anointed one" or "messiah." The name entered the English language through Old French during the medieval period, particularly after the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, when many Latin-based names were adopted into English vernacular. Cris is often considered a diminutive or variant of the name Christopher, which also has roots in the Greek "Christophoros," meaning "Christ-bearer." Historically, the name has been associated with various significant figures, including saints and martyrs.

One notable example is Saint Christopher, a legendary figure from the 3rd century, who is venerated as the patron saint of travelers. His story, which emphasizes the importance of carrying Christ in one's heart, contributed to the name's religious significance in Christian communities.

The name Cris, as a shortened form, has been used in various cultures and languages, often reflecting a sense of familiarity or affection. Culturally, the name Cris has resonated through literature and art, often symbolizing faith, protection, and guidance.

In the context of Christian symbolism, the name evokes the idea of devotion and service to others, aligning with the teachings of Jesus Christ. The use of diminutives like Cris can also indicate a close relationship or endearment, which has helped the name endure across generations.

Overall, Cris embodies a rich linguistic and cultural heritage that reflects its historical roots in Christianity and its evolution through language.

Famous people named Cris

In this section, you will find notable people named Cris. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Cris who have made a significant impact on popular culture.

We also feature individuals named Cris who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.

Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.

Cris Carter is a former professional American football player best known for his career with the Minnesota Vikings, being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and his work as a sports commentator.

Fictional characters named Cris

The following list of fictional characters named Cris is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.

You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.

Cris is a fictional character from the video game series Final Fantasy. They are a key figure in the narrative, often involved in significant events that shape the story's progression.

Sibling suggestions

If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Cris, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.

Similar names

Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Cris. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Cris was first seen in the United States in 1885.

Cris has ranked as high as #1275 nationally, which occurred in 1960, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Ohio, Michigan, and New York.

In the past 5 years the name Cris has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Cris is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Cris was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Cris.

Year Total Births Boy Girl
2025 14 14 0
2024 21 15 6
2023 23 23 0
2022 24 24 0
2021 12 12 0
2020 10 10 0
2019 15 15 0
2018 17 17 0
2017 22 22 0
2016 16 16 0
2015 23 23 0
2014 19 19 0
2013 23 23 0
2012 28 28 0
2011 38 38 0
2010 28 28 0
2009 33 33 0
2008 35 29 6
2007 44 44 0
2006 42 42 0
2005 33 33 0
2004 38 31 7
2003 31 31 0
2002 16 16 0
2001 29 24 5
2000 29 24 5
1999 29 29 0
1998 18 18 0
1997 13 13 0
1996 25 25 0
1995 21 21 0
1994 11 11 0
1993 18 18 0
1992 9 9 0
1991 18 18 0
1990 14 14 0
1989 22 22 0
1988 18 18 0
1987 13 13 0
1986 23 18 5
1985 16 11 5
1984 23 17 6
1983 24 24 0
1982 35 30 5
1981 23 14 9
1980 23 23 0
1979 31 20 11
1978 31 21 10
1977 27 27 0
1976 42 35 7
1975 36 22 14
1974 56 41 15
1973 55 36 19
1972 53 43 10
1971 72 54 18
1970 93 62 31
1969 88 60 28
1968 78 57 21
1967 91 56 35
1966 112 83 29
1965 118 69 49
1964 141 81 60
1963 133 84 49
1962 142 96 46
1961 171 105 66
1960 190 115 75
1959 161 98 63
1958 153 96 57
1957 141 74 67
1956 109 67 42
1955 103 63 40
1954 82 56 26
1953 84 46 38
1952 93 66 27
1951 61 36 25
1950 32 22 10
1949 50 34 16
1948 51 41 10
1947 33 23 10
1946 21 15 6
1945 14 14 0
1944 8 8 0
1943 8 8 0
1942 8 8 0
1941 8 8 0
1939 5 0 5
1938 6 6 0
1935 5 5 0
1934 6 6 0
1933 5 5 0
1929 5 5 0
1925 5 5 0
1924 6 6 0
1923 7 7 0
1922 6 6 0
1919 6 6 0
1918 8 8 0
1916 7 7 0
1912 6 6 0
1885 5 5 0

Top States for Cris (2024)

We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.

State Births Share
TX 5
100%