Kristaps as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Kristaps

What is the meaning of the name Kristaps ?

The baby name Kristaps is a Male name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced /ˈkristaps/ (KRIS-taps).

Kristaps is Latvian in Origin.

Kristaps is the standard Latvian form of Christopher, ultimately from Greek Christophoros, meaning “bearer of Christ.” Brought to the Baltic region through medieval Christianization and reinforced by German and Polish ecclesiastical influence, the name settled into Latvian as Kristaps, aligning with the masculine -s ending. Its association with St. Christopher, patron of travelers, supported enduring use among both Lutheran and Catholic communities in Latvia.

Latvian short forms include Krišs and affectionate diminutives like Kristapiņš or Krisītis; related local forms are Krists and Kristofers. International cognates span Christopher (English), Christophe (French), Kristoffer (Scandinavian), Krzysztof (Polish), Cristóbal (Spanish), Cristoforo (Italian), and Kristupas (Lithuanian). Usage has remained steady from the 19th century onward, with renewed visibility through public figures, notably NBA star Kristaps Porziņģis. The name conveys themes of faithful guidance and protection while remaining distinctly Latvian in character.