Christ- names

Personal names starting with Christ- are sometimes written using X- in the same way that Christmas is written Xmas. There are three variants: X standing for Christ, Chris, or Chri. Examples:


 * Xian, Xtian, Xstian for Christian
 * Xina, Xtina, Xstina for Christina
 * Xoph, Xtoph, Xstoph for Christoph
 * Xopher, Xtopher, Xstopher for Christopher

Occasionally, and then primarily in England, X- may be written Xp-, hence:


 * Xpian, Xptian, Xpstian for Christian
 * Xpina for Christina
 * Xpoph, Xptoph for Christoph
 * Xpopher, Xptopher, Xpstopher for Christopher

This abbreviation stems from the historical use of Latin in Catholic churches, and applies to both given names and surnames. It is found primarily in historical records of Germany, England and, notably, Isle of Man.