Cristobal
A Spanish surname and given name ultimately linked to Christopher, from the Greek name meaning “bearing Christ.”
The #9,074 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 85,715 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Cristobal is the Spanish form of Christopher, ultimately from Greek Christophoros, meaning “Christ-bearer” or “bearing Christ.” The surname most likely began as a patronymic or as a surname taken from a Christian personal name. In Spanish and related naming traditions, surnames often developed from given names in this way.
History
As a surname, Cristobal is found in Spanish-speaking regions and in communities shaped by Spanish naming customs. It may also appear as a given name, since personal names and surnames often overlap in Iberian usage. The historical excerpt supplied links Cristobal to the Spanish form of Christopher, but it does not provide detailed surname-specific evidence.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
The name Christopher and its relatives became popular in Christian Europe because of the saintly association with St. Christopher.
From the historical record
“CHRISTABEL. Not an uncommon female name. It would seem to be derived from Cristobal, the Spanish form of Christopher. CHRIST AIN. Found as a female name ; a corruption of the name Christian.”
— Praenomina; or, the etymology of the principal Christian names of Great Britain and Ireland