Cristobal as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Cristobal

What is the meaning of the name Cristobal ?

The baby name Cristobal is a Male name , 3 syllables long and is pronounced Spanish: /kɾisˈtoβal/ (krees-TOH-bal); Anglicized: /krɪsˈtoʊbəl/ (kris-TOH-buhl).

Cristobal is Spanish in Origin.

Cristóbal is the Spanish form of Christopher, from Greek Christóphoros “Christ-bearer,” built from Christós “anointed, Christ” + phérein “to carry.” In modern usage the accent may be omitted as Cristobal outside Spanish orthography, though the standard spelling in Spanish is Cristóbal. The name conveys protection and devotion, echoing the legendary figure who carried the Christ child across a river.

Use spread through the Christian world via the cult of Saint Christopher, patron of travelers, giving rise to many cognates and local forms. Spanish short forms include Cris and the regional Tobal; affectionate diminutives like Cristobalito also occur. Related variants include Portuguese Cristóvão, Italian Cristoforo, French Christophe, German Christoph, Polish Krzysztof, Catalan Cristòfol, and Basque Kristobal. The name remains familiar in the Hispanic sphere, reinforced by notable bearers such as couturier Cristóbal Balenciaga and the historical rendering of Christopher Columbus as Cristóbal Colón.