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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Related Reading
Israel-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Cephas Rose
Floral · soft ending
Cephas Mae
Sweet · timeless
Cephas Claire
French influence · crisp
Cephas Jane
Literary · strong
Cephas Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Cephas right now?
Rising fast — up 173 spots — currently #6602 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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?
What names sound and feel like Cephas?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cephas also consider these
How is Cephas written in other languages?
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.