Thus, he had first found land where men thought there was ocean, and he was the messenger of the Holy Spirit to those who sat in darkness.

It has also been assumed that he took the name of Christopher, "the Christ-bearer," for similar reasons.

But there is no doubt that he was baptized "Christopher," and that the family name had long been Columbo.

The coincidences of name are but two more in a calendar in which poetry delights, and of which history is full.
Christopher Columbus was the oldest son of Dominico Colombo and Suzanna Fontanarossa.

This name means Red-fountain.