Cephas

“rock”

Israel origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#6602US 2023

13Births / yr

↑Rising

877All-time births

📅 Since 189800

How to pronounce Cephas

SEF·uz

/ˈsɛf.əz/ · stress on SEF · 2 syllables

“rock”

Israel origin · Boy name

What does Cephas mean and where does it come from?

Cephas is derived from the Aramaic word 'kepha', which also means 'rock'. In the New Testament, Cephas is one of the names given to the Apostle Peter by Jesus, symbolizing his role as a foundational figure in Christianity. The name has been used in various biblical translations and has variations in

Cultural significance

Cephas has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Israel-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hebrew.

Peak popularity

Reached #1117 in 1898 — currently #6602 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Cephas?

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

Cephas Grace

How popular is Cephas right now?

Rising fast — up 173 spots — currently #6602 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1900–2023#6602 · Top 4.9%

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

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2000

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2010

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2021

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#6602	13	▲ up 173 · +8% births
2021	#6775	12	▼ down 814 · -14% births
2020	#5961	14	▲ up 718 · +17% births
2015	#6679	12	▲ up 3055 · +71% births
2010	#9734	7	▼ down 568
2005	#9166	7	▲ up 1254 · +40% births
2000	#10420	5	▼ down 3798
1985	#6622	5	▼ down 2430 · -44% births
1980	#4192	9	▲ up 1373 · +80% births
1975	#5565	5	▼ down 2156 · -29% births
1960	#3409	7	▼ down 373 · -12% births
1955	#3036	8	▼ down 546 · -20% births
1950	#2490	10	▲ up 147 · +25% births
1945	#2637	8	▼ down 397 · -27% births
1940	#2240	11	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Cephas

Best Year1900Rank #1288

Peak Count19

Average Rank#4471

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202322 years

The story of Cephas

Cephas has been a beloved American name for over 126 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1898. With 877 total births recorded, Cephas remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1288 in 1900, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #6602 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Cephas in 1898:

John William James George Charles

Cephas by decade

Cephas peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →

Decade	Births
1890s	6
1900s	11
1910s	100
1920s ★	155
1930s	108
1940s	91
1950s	82
1960s	41
1970s	55
1980s	45
1990s	24
2000s	51
2010s	94
2020s	14

💎Cephas has only 877 total recorded births since 1898 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Cephas?

Common

CepCeEphas

What names sound and feel like Cephas?

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

Cephus

USA · כֵּיפַס (Kephas) -

Greece · Glory of the

Zephan

Hebrew · God has hidden

How is Cephas written in other languages?

Κηφας

Ancient Greek

Common questions about the name Cephas

What does the name Cephas mean?

Cephas means "Hebrew" — a name rooted in Israel 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 Cephas?

Cephas is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Cephas?

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

How do you pronounce the name Cephas?

Cephas is a two-syllable name pronounced S EH1 F AH0 Z. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Cephas a common or rare name?

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