Kristof

Kristof is a masculine given name and, less commonly, a surname. The form Kristóf with an acute accent is standard in Hungarian, while Kristof is used in Dutch- and other Western European contexts. As a surname, Kristof appears in various Central European populations.

Origin and meaning: Kristof ultimately derives from the Greek Christophoros, meaning “bearing Christ” or “Christ-bearer,” via the Latin Christophorus. The name spread through Christian Europe in the medieval period and took on local spellings and pronunciations in many languages.

Usage and distribution: Kristóf remains particularly common as a Hungarian given name. In Dutch-speaking regions, Kristof functions as a given name as well. As a surname, Kristof occurs less frequently but is attested in several European countries, often indicating patronymic origins from a bearer of the given name.

Variants and related forms: Variants across languages include Kristóf (Hungarian), Kristof (Dutch and some other languages), Christophe (French), Cristoforo (Italian), Cristóbal (Spanish), and Christoph (German). Polish forms related in meaning but distinct in spelling include Krzysztof.

Cultural and notable references: The name Kristof has been borne by various public figures in Hungarian, Dutch, and broader European contexts, reflecting its cross-cultural usage. It also appears in literature and naming traditions as a classic, traditional form of a widely used Christian given name.