Christmas

Unisex
Pronunciation:/ˈkrɪs.məs/

Christmas: a unisex name of Old English (Anglo-saxon) origin meaning "This name derives from the Old English “Cristesmæsse,” composed of two elements: From the Ancient Greek “Khristós (Χριστός)” (anointed one) plus from the Old English “masse / messe” (A holiday, sacred day)". It derives from the Old English (Anglo-saxon) word "Khristós masse / messe > Cristesmæsse".

Christmas has maintained its appeal as a both name in modern times while preserving its Old English (Anglo-saxon) roots. Today, parents are drawn to its meaningful essence of "This name derives from the Old English “Cristesmæsse,” composed of two elements: From the Ancient Greek “Khristós (Χριστός)” (anointed one) plus from the Old English “masse / messe” (A holiday, sacred day)" and its cultural richness. This name bridges traditional heritage with contemporary naming trends.

Quick Facts About Christmas

Quick facts about Christmas
OriginOld English (Anglo-saxon), Greek
GenderUnisex
PopularityUncommon

Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team

Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Meaning

This name derives from the Old English “Cristesmæsse,” composed of two elements: From the Ancient Greek “Khristós (Χριστός)” (anointed one) plus from the Old English “masse / messe” (A holiday, sacred day). In turn, the name means “the day of the Lord, the day of Christ, a festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.”

Etymology & Details

Name Root

Khristós masse / messe > Cristesmæsse

How to Pronounce Christmas

Christmas is pronounced /ˈkrɪs.məs/(Greek)

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Chr-ist-mas
  2. Say it like: "CHR-IST-MAS"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

Christmas is predominantly used in english speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.

english
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas
What does the name Christmas mean?
Christmas means "This name derives from the Old English “Cristesmæsse,” composed of two elements: From the Ancient Greek “Khristós (Χριστός)” (anointed one) plus from the Old English “masse / messe” (A holiday, sacred day). In turn, the name means “the day of the Lord, the day of Christ, a festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.”". The name comes from Khristós masse / messe > Cristesmæsse. In its original form, the name derives from Khristós (Χριστός). This old english (anglo-saxon) name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Christmas for children of any gender often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Old English “Cristesmæsse,” composed of two elements: From the Ancient Greek “Khristós (Χριστός)” (anointed one) plus from the Old English “masse / messe” (A holiday, sacred day). In turn, the name means “the day of the Lord, the day of Christ, a festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.”" as a quality they hope to see in their child. Christmas offers a distinctive option for parents who want a name with clear meaning that stands apart from more common choices.
What is the origin of the name Christmas?
Christmas has old english (anglo-saxon) and greek origins. The name traces back to Khristós masse / messe > Cristesmæsse. The original form Khristós (Χριστός) shows the name's roots in its native language. The name remains closely tied to english naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The old english (anglo-saxon) meaning "This name derives from the Old English “Cristesmæsse,” composed of two elements: From the Ancient Greek “Khristós (Χριστός)” (anointed one) plus from the Old English “masse / messe” (A holiday, sacred day). In turn, the name means “the day of the Lord, the day of Christ, a festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.”" reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Christmas a boy or girl name?
Christmas is a unisex name, given to both boys and girls. Unisex names have grown more popular since the 1990s, with parents choosing them for flexibility and modern appeal. Christmas works equally well for any child, letting the person's identity shape how the name feels rather than the other way around. In old english (anglo-saxon) tradition, Christmas has historically been given to children of either gender. The meaning "This name derives from the Old English “Cristesmæsse,” composed of two elements: From the Ancient Greek “Khristós (Χριστός)” (anointed one) plus from the Old English “masse / messe” (A holiday, sacred day). In turn, the name means “the day of the Lord, the day of Christ, a festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.”" carries well for any child, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Christmas?
Christmas is pronounced "/ˈkrɪs.məs/". This pronunciation follows el language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Christmas is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with old english (anglo-saxon) names, listening to a native speaker say Christmas can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root Khristós masse / messe > Cristesmæsse influences how Christmas sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Christmas?
Christmas is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Christmas gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Christmas's popularity may vary between old english (anglo-saxon) communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Old English “Cristesmæsse,” composed of two elements: From the Ancient Greek “Khristós (Χριστός)” (anointed one) plus from the Old English “masse / messe” (A holiday, sacred day). In turn, the name means “the day of the Lord, the day of Christ, a festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.”" likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among unisex names, Christmas holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Christmas commonly used?
Christmas is used primarily in english naming traditions. Though old english (anglo-saxon) in origin, Christmas found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Old English “Cristesmæsse,” composed of two elements: From the Ancient Greek “Khristós (Χριστός)” (anointed one) plus from the Old English “masse / messe” (A holiday, sacred day). In turn, the name means “the day of the Lord, the day of Christ, a festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.”" carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Christmas into their naming traditions. A child named Christmas will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Christmas is given to children of any gender, maintaining consistent gender association.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

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