Daily AncestorChi-rho
The chi-rho, an X and P laid over each other, is an ancient monogram for Christ from the first two Greek letters of his name.
Chi (X) and rho (P) begin the Greek word for Christ. The monogram was adopted by early Christians, became Constantine's emblem and is found on early Roman tombstones.
It is often paired with Alpha and Omega. Like IHS, it is a sacred monogram, not the initials of the person buried there.
As seen in a recordEpiscopal, Lutheran or Catholic cemetery, 1860 to 1940
Chi-rho inside a circle above the name: Rev. Frederick Augustus Holmbeck, 1834 to 1909
Sources
How to cite this page
Daily Ancestor. "Chi-rho." Dictionary of Old Record Words. https://dailyancestor.com/dictionary/gravestone-symbols/chi-rho. Last checked 2026-10-15.