Cristobal

Cristobal is the unaccented form of Spanish Cristóbal, the equivalent of Christopher. Its Greek roots are traditionally interpreted as “bearer of Christ,” giving the name an explicitly Christian history. The spelling is an established Spanish form rather than a recent shortening of the English name.

Designer Cristóbal Balenciaga is a well-known bearer. Christopher Columbus is called Cristóbal Colón in Spanish, but that is the Spanish form of his name rather than evidence that he was born with a Spanish name. Keeping that distinction clear helps explain the international name family. Families can choose Cristóbal or the unaccented Cristobal according to their language and document conventions.