Christopher

My parents had one name they were obliged to give: William. This name was non-negotiable. For generations, every firstborn son on my dad’s side of our family has been named William – my dad, his dad, and on, and on, and on, further back than anyone can remember. Naturally, when my older brother was born, the tradition continued: he inherited the name William. 

After getting the only mandatory name in the family out of the way, my parents had some wiggle room for naming me. My mom had her heart set on Thomas after the founder of Carvel ice cream cakes, Thomas Carvel – imagine that! But, in the end, my dad won out. His wish to honor his grandfather, Christopher Webber, was fulfilled. The name Christopher had also been passed down for generations, just as William has been, but our branch of the family became disconnected from it. While I will always have an undying love for Carvel ice cream cakes, I could never imagine myself being a Thomas. Maybe, maybe a Tom. But never a Thomas. 

Throughout my life, I’ve met a fair share of Chrises. In my fifth grade class of just 12 kids, I shared not only my first name but also a last initial with one of my classmates, forcing me to adopt the name “Chris Mu” for the entire year. This was just another reminder of how common my name is. Turns out, it wasn’t much of a coincidence. In 2004 (the year I was born) Christopher was the tenth most popular name for a boy, according to the U.S. Social Security’s baby name database.

I’m happy with my name. If presented with the opportunity, I wouldn’t change it: I feel it is very apt. I believe I am the perfect mold for a Christopher. When I imagine a Chris, I picture someone approachable, friendly, and easy-going. I fully see myself in this description, feeling that my personality has grown comfortably into this name. In that sense, I truly am a Chris – no more, no less – and that feels just right.

Works cited: 

"Christopher Name Meaning & Origin." Ancestry.com, www.ancestry.com/first-name-meaning/christopher. Accessed 7 Feb. 2025.

"Popular Baby Names." Social Security Administration, www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/. Accessed 7 Feb. 2025.