Born into the ruling family of East Frisia, Christian Everhard was born as the third child and only son of George Christian, Prince of East Frisia and his wife, Duchess Christine Charlotte of Württemberg.

He quickly settled some disputes with the Estates, consolidating the peace, and bringing him the nickname "the peaceable".

Everhard was sickly since childhood, and was accompanied on his travels by his personal physician, Eberhard Bacmeister.

Prince Christian Everhard was married to Princess Eberhardine Sophie of Oettingen-Oettingen (born: 16 August 1666; died 30 October 1700), a daughter of Albert Ernest I, Prince of Öttingen-Öttingen (1642-1683) and his first wife, Duchess Christine Friederike of Württemberg (1644-1674).

The couple had the following children: After the death of his first wife in 1701, he married Anna Juliana of Kleinau, Lady of Sandhorst (1674–1727).