Alpheus

“Alpheus is of Greek origin, derived from the ancient Greek River Alpheus”

Greece origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#9797US 2023

7Births / yr

↑Rising

750All-time births

📅 Since 188000.01% of births at peak

What does Alpheus mean and where does it come from?

Alpheus is of Greek origin, derived from the ancient Greek River Alpheus. In Greek mythology, Alpheus was a river god, which lends the name historical and mythological significance. The name is occasionally used in modern contexts, particularly within religious or literary settings. Though not excee

Cultural significance

Alpheus has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of greek.

Peak popularity

Reached #730 in 1882 — currently #9797 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Alpheus?

Alpheus works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Alpheus Grace

How popular is Alpheus right now?

Rising fast — up 1135 spots — currently #9797 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#9797 · Top 7.2%

1895

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

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1980

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#9797	7	▲ up 1135 · +17% births
2022	#10932	6	▼ down 5372
1980	#5560	6	▼ down 1699 · -14% births
1970	#3861	7	▼ down 502
1960	#3359	7	▼ down 768 · -30% births
1955	#2591	10	▼ down 557 · -29% births
1950	#2034	14	▲ up 228 · +40% births
1945	#2262	10	▲ up 624 · +43% births
1940	#2886	7	▼ down 1035 · -53% births
1935	#1851	15	▲ up 1190 · +88% births
1930	#3041	8	▼ down 833 · -43% births
1925	#2208	14	▼ down 68 · -7% births
1920	#2140	15	▼ down 628 · -29% births
1915	#1512	21	▼ down 687 · +163% births
1895	#825	8	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Alpheus

Best Year1915Rank #1512

Peak Count21

Average Rank#3860

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 202314 years

The story of Alpheus

Alpheus has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 750 total births recorded, Alpheus remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #830 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9797 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Alpheus in 1882:

John William James George Charles

Alpheus by decade

Alpheus peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	48
1890s	25
1900s	25
1910s	162
1920s ★	180
1930s	94
1940s	81
1950s	70
1960s	31
1970s	18
1980s	11
1990s	5

💎Alpheus has only 750 total recorded births since 1880 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Alpheus?

Common

Alp

What names sound and feel like Alpheus?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Alpheus also consider these

Alphaeus

Greece · broad

Alphus

Greece · noble, high-born

Alteus

Arabic · A Arabic name

Alfeus

Arabic · A Arabic name

Atreus

Greece · Greek

Andreus

Greece · manly, brave

Orpheus

Greece · the darkness of

Alphe

Greece · Greek

Common questions about the name Alpheus

What does the name Alpheus mean?

Alpheus means "Greek" — a name rooted in Greece tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Alpheus?

Alpheus is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Alpheus have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Alpheus?

Alpheus originates from Greece tradition. Greece names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Alpheus trending right now?

Alpheus is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.

Is Alpheus a common or rare name?

Alpheus is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.